Wise and Bassett join Saints

Last updated : 28 June 2005 By Chris C

Jim Smith will hardly welcome Bassett’s appointment after being released as a ‘cost-cutting measure’, much to his annoyance. Bassett is being brought in on a one month contract to try and stiffen Saint’s leaky defence and to provide some much needed organisation at set pieces.

Harry Rednapp hinted at a longer term role for Bassett which raises question marks over the real reasons for Smith’s departure: “We’ll have to see how things work out and then maybe try and sort something out.”

With echoes of Kevin Phillips, former Millwall player manager Dennis Wise is returning to where it all began before being released to then have an illustrious career with the likes of Wimbledon, Chelsea and England.

Many Saints fans were expecting Wise to double as Harry’s number two after the departure of Jim Smith, with a view to becoming Harry’s long term successor. However, he is on a one year playing contract only, although no doubt Harry will look for him to be his motivator on the pitch and to add some fire to a quiet dressing room.

Wise claims he is happy with a playing role, but mentions wider involvement with bringing Saints’ promising crop of youngsters along: “I’m looking forward to just playing and not having to worry about the management side of things.

“I will certainly put some fire into the side — that’s what Harry wants me to do. They have got a few good youngsters here and I will just go in and help them. Last year they had Jamie Redknapp helping them but sadly he has had to retire so Harry has asked me to come along and play and help in any way I can.”

Despite question marks over his age and fitness, 38-year-old Wise passed his medical with no problem and his experience and knowledge of the Championship will be a valuable addition to Saints’ squad. He will effectively filling the role vacated by Jamie Rednapp, who was forced into early retirement through injury.