Saints are bidding goodbye to one of their own today as Andrew Surman joins Premier League new boys Wolverhampton Wanderers…
The Club's protracted takeover has already seen the departure of striker David McGoldrick to Nottingham Forest on Monday, with Surman's seven figure transfer fee now adding a further much needed cash injection.
He has signed a three year contract with an option of a further year added on at Molineux.
Still aged just 22 years old, the Johannesburg-born midfielder has undergone a meteoric rise through the Southampton ranks since being scouted by the Saints Academy as a schoolboy and has established himself as an integral member of the first team with over 125 senior appearances to his name.
His eye for goal has also produced some memorable moments with a hat-trick against Barnsley in February 2007 and the opening goal in the first leg of the play-off semi-final against Derby County that set up such a memorable trip to Pride Park.
Surman also has happy memories of his new home having scored in Southampton's surprise 6-0 demolition of Wolves at Molineux the following month.
In 2002, Surman became the youngest-ever Saint to turn out for the Reserves when he came off the bench against Chelsea in March, only to be pipped to that claim by a certain Theo Walcott two years later.
Loan spells with both Walsall and Bournemouth then gave fans the first glimpse of this Bitterne boy's goalscoring potential and he was eventually given his first senior start by George Burley in a home draw against Crystal Palace in January 2006.
Three and a half years later, and much has changed off the pitch at St. Mary's, but Surman's career trajectory has continued in a deservedly upward direction, with several England Under-21 caps to his name and now a chance to shine on the greatest stage of all.
Surman's involvement in his local community over recent years must also be saluted, with him giving an exceptional number of hours to local causes and schemes via the Saints in the Community charity and as an ambassador for The Prince's Trust.
Always willing to give up his time to help others, Surman has been a model professional during the early years of his fledgling career and will no doubt continue to be an asset to his future employers both on and off the field.
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