Two in, one out, as Harry strengthens squad

After a week of speculation about which players Harry was looking to bring in and which we’d actually sign, Saints fans were anxious to see some incomings to bring much needed depth to the squad after the departure of fifteen players.

Few Saints fans knew anything about 32 year old Polish international centre back Hatjo before his low-key entry as a trialist during pre-season games. However, he has proved his worth to Harry with a string of dominant displays that suggest he could be the aggressive defender Saints have so badly missed while Michael Svensson has been out injured.

After a career largely spent in the Bundesliga he is bringing to a close an unhappy time at Nuremburg: “I have heard from a lot of people including people in Poland that Southampton is a family club and that appeals to me. They are a big club and deserve to be in the Premier League and I really hope I can help them to get back there.”

Jose Mourinho’s squad philosophy is to have two players for every position and Saints fans may be (less than) amused to learn that Hajto’s signing means we have another long throw specialist on our books as back-up when Rory Delap’s arms get tired. No doubt Peter Crouch will be ruing his move to the bright lights of Liverpool…

The Pompey production line continues with the signing of Jamaican international striker Fuller, who is signed for a bargain £90,000, with a further £250k due on Saints' return to the Premiership. The reason for the low fee is his dodgy knee which will need a major operation at some point, although medical boffins up and down the country can’t say if it will be in 5 months or 5 years time.

Fuller, 25, had set the Championship alight during his time with Preston North End averaging nearly a goal every other game and proving an aggressive, skilful and occasionally selfish striker. That form did not replicate itself after his move to Pompey with a solitary goal last season and he will welcome the chance to get his career back on track at Southampton.

“I am delighted to be at Southampton and to be working with Harry Redknapp once again. He was a big influence in me coming here. The knee is fine. I have just played four games in 10 days for Jamaica and got two goals so I am feeling good.”

Harry overcame reservations from the board over Fuller’s dodgy knee and will be hoping the striker can repay his faith and fill the void left by Peter Crouch’s departure.

The summer squad revamp looks set to continue with Harry still looking for another striker and a much needed left-sided player.