When asked what it would need to keep him at Southampton when his contract is due to end, Ronald Koeman replied "To be happy" well it seems that is the case at present.

Saints supporters took to Ronald Koeman from almost the first minute he arived at St Mary's, there was an ambience and humility about his that his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino had lacked.

It also soon became clear that Koeman considered the Saints job as something more than just a stepping stone in his career, he seemed to have an empathy and respect for the club and it's supporters that again Pochettino clearly had not.

The superb rebuilding job the Dutchman did in adversity also endeared him to Saints fans and many already consider that he is well on the way to becoming one of the most popular Saints bosses ever and could even match that by becoming one of the most successful by winning a trophy.

The one thing that the supporters would like to see though is Koeman sign an extension to his contract, at the moment he is approaching the half way mark, but the fact is this is a long term strategy at the club and there is not a better man at the moment to see this through to its conclusion, which hopefully is not only a trophy, but the emergence of Southampton FC as a top six club year in year out.

When asked recently what it would take to keep him at St Mary's beyond the current term of his deal, Koeman replied "To be happy".

Judging by his comments this week it appears that he is very contented at the club and that looks to be good news for Saints fans.

In his native Holland soccernews.nl have quoted Koeman as saying.

"The Premier League has exceeded all expectations. Let's start with respect, when you're on the visiting team bus, the parking lot of the stadium, I think across Europe you see middle fingers, but in England you get applause."

"I also find it strange how people talk about Southampton. We are seen as a model club. In the ranking of salaries we stand I think fourth from bottom, but we still manage to put a good team on the pitch and that is positive for football."

Last season we won at Arsenal and Manchester United, recently we beat Chelsea and grabbed a point at Anfield against Liverpool. Appreciation is nice and in England you get that in abundance."

So Ronad sounds very happy at the moment, long may that continue.

Photo: Action Images

1970 added 19:31 - Nov 15 I think Koeman will stand by his word and see out his contract so an extension would be seen at the moment a bit premature, he will have big plans though with Barca and Holland so its just a case of how long he wants to stay with us, hopefully we will win things and qualify for Europe to stop it all from going stale, but you know behind the scenes the Saints are prepared for anything. in KR we trust coyr.

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BaselSaint added 20:05 - Nov 15 He would only consider Barca. That is his goal. Then the Dutch national team.
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BUCK added 21:45 - Nov 15 In kr we trust. Am I being thick. What or who is kr. Rk yes. Ronald koeman. Ralph kreuger yes. The biggest one to trust and respect is les reed and that guy doesn't get enough praise in my opinion
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IWOZTHERE added 23:27 - Nov 15 Bottom line is you don't know! I do, cos I've just got back from the pub. I know everything now and I have evidence that Ron is going to Barcelona, Mane is going to Pompey, and Les will be our next zzzzzzzzzz.
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darkangelv2 added 09:11 - Nov 16 Surely an extension with a Barce and Holland clause is the best outcome for both parties?
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Bazz added 18:13 - Nov 16 With the extra cash coming in at the end of the season we must keep our players, if we continue to let our best players leave we have to accept that Ronko will see this as a sign of lacking ambition, something he sees as a must if he is to stay...
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SaintBrock added 13:04 - Nov 17 You made it up Nick.
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