Southampton Football Club can today announce that Martin Hunter has been appointed to the new post of Under-21 coach.

Hunter has taken up his role at the Football Development and Support Centre, based at Staplewood.

He has a wealth of experience at all levels of the game, and is internationally acknowledged as a coaching and football management expert who has worked with, and developed leading coaches and managers in England.

Martin holds a UEFA Pro Licence qualification and has most recently been working with the FA where he has tutored managers whilst he has also previously worked with England's youth players including, Steven Gerrard, Jermain Defoe and Jermaine Jenas.

Most recently, he was involved in gathering weekly reports for the England Under-21 players and also provided scouting for the national side at the recent World Cup in South Africa.

Reporting to Les Reed, the Centre's Executive Director, Yorkshireman Martin will be heading up the full time coaches in the Academy and is also responsible for coaching the Club's elite Under-21 development squad. This squad replaces the existing reserves set up and will ensure that the gap between the youth side and the first team is bridged, whilst also allowing for the fast tracking development of young players.

The longer term aim is to provide players of Premier League quality for the Saints team of tomorrow, with the club once again setting a benchmark in this field - the main factor that has tempted Hunter to take up this opportunity.

Martin Hunter said:

"Occasionally football throws up a unique opportunity, and whilst there were other irons in the fire there's a clear enthusiasm to develop a team of the future here which was too good a chance to turn down.

"I am very much looking forward to improving and developing the Football Development Support Centre and providing future star players for Southampton Football Club."

Les Reed commented:

"I am delighted to have secured the services of Martin Hunter to coach
the Under-21 Development squad. This is another example of how we plan to lead the way in player development through the Football Development and Support Centre. Martin will head up the Technical Coaching Team including Jason Dodd who will coach the Under-18s and our new Under-16 and Under-14 coaches who are soon to be appointed.

"Martin turned down a high profile Under-21 National Coaches position to join us at Southampton which demonstrates the attraction of the challenge ahead of us in achieving the Chairman's vision of making
Southampton a successful and innovative Premiership club. Martin's international experience as well as his experience at first team level in the Championship and Premier League will no doubt help us produce a strong base for our future of home grown talent.

"The enthusiasm and commitment to this unique coaching role that he will bring, means that the club will only benefit from his experience."

The changes result in long serving coach Stewart Henderson parting company with the Club. Saints would like to express their gratitude for the contribution Stewart has made to Southampton FC in his 20 year association with the Club.