Michael Svensson's Southampton colleagues have been quick to praise their former skipper following the Swede's decision to retire from playing…

Goalkeeper Kelvin Davis led the tributes to the player he succeeded as Club captain back in January, although admitted he regretted never working with Svensson in his prime.

"Because of Michael's injuries, I feel that I missed the opportunity to play with a world-class defender, because that's what he was," Davis said.

"In 15 years of being a professional footballer, I've never come across someone with so much determination, strength of character and desire to get himself fit.

"He was injured when I arrived, but I knew straight away that he had the determination to be in that gym when it would have brought most people to tears.

"He was determined not to let the injury beat him and I've never seen the like of it before and don't think I will again.

"It's a trait that every professional should have. Michael was always a leader by virtue of the way he played and by the way he presented himself as a professional off the pitch. I learnt a lot from him."

Head coach Mark Wotte was also full of praise for the man he recruited to his coaching staff when he took over the reigns from Jan Poortvliet.

"Michael is by far the best defensive header of the ball that I've ever worked with and his timing and bravery were amazing.

"It's so unfortunate for him that his knee injury has brought an early end to his career because you want every player in your team to have the same mentality as he does, but it's not for nothing that they call him 'Killer'.

"He can be proud of what he has achieved because he worked very hard to become a Premier League player. He's a top man and a top defender, and we all wanted him to go on for another season as a Saints player, but unfortunately it wasn't to be."

Mark Wotte added Svensson to his coaching staff when he took over as Head Coach in January

Svensson has said that he would like to continue along the coaching path and Wotte has no doubt that the 2003 FA Cup finalist has what it takes to succeed.

Wotte continued: "He's had a taste of what it takes to become a coach and has shown a lot of talent at it. I think he is a role model, but he also is not afraid to tell people the truth. He will be a good manager in the future and he's very dedicated and thorough. I rate him very highly.

"He did an excellent job and took responsibility for set-pieces and passed on his experience as a defender to the younger boys.

"The way his was as a professional player is the same as he is as a coach. He is very dedicated and committed, very reliable and loyal and he's been a top man to work with."

England Under-21 international Andrew Surman echoed the Dutchman's comments and said that Svensson's example had shone through when he was a Saints Academy scholar.

"When I was growing up he was an inspiration to me because he was in the first team and that's where I wanted to get to," Surman said.

"You saw his attitude to training and games and he also had to show great character to come back from injury.

"He's been a brilliant role model for the younger players at the club and lives his life like a true professional. On the pitch he leads by example and that's what you're looking for from the younger players.

"You always knew that he was going to give it 100% and you were scared that he might get you one day!," he joked.

"I think he's a natural leader and leads by example. He has always had the respect of the other players and that made him a fantastic captain.

"When he began working as a coach it was great to have a player who knew and loved the club on the coaching staff and it was fantastic to be able to learn from his experience."

FANS' VIEW: Send us YOUR tributes to Michael Svensson. What are your finest 'Killer' moments...? Email your messages to programme@saintsfc.co.uk and we'll publish as many of them as we can! Please include your full name & location.