Luke Shaw signed a five year deal on his 18th Birthday which was the present all Saints fans had been waiting for.

Some Saints fans were clamouring for Shaw to be included in the first team from the very off last season after some impressive performances in pre season friendlies, but perhaps the player himself will thank Nigel Adkins here, the ex Saints boss knew Saints had a tricky start ahead of them and if he had thrown in Shaw in those early games, then perhaps Shaw himelf would have seen his developement suffer a major setback.

On reflection Adkins played it exactly right in introducing Shaw to first team action, enabling the player to come into the side just as they began a series of highly winnable games, the end result being Saints got vital points, Shaw got games under his belt and gained in confidence and perhaps more importantly the supporters were behind him from the start and not questioning his performances and this factor should not be underestimated, if Shaw had played in those early debacles at the likes of Arsenal, then he might not have had the support from the stands that he has.

Of course his talent would have shone through, but perhaps not so quickly, football is all about confidence and im sure Shaw will have moments in his career when his suffers, all players do, but lucky for Saints it didnt happen last season.

Now Shaw can continue his developement whilst playing Premier League football regularly, something he probably wouldnt be doing this coming season if he had gone to Chelsea or Arsenal for instance and hopefully his rapid rise will continue.

But Saints supporters should remember he is still only 18 and in footballing terms he is still to develop physically to withstand the rigours of full time training etc and having his full stamina, this being the case he is going to miss matches through injury and perhaps even the manager feeling that he needs to be out of the firing line, as much as Saints fans back Shaw they should back whoever replaces him in these games, positivity is about supporting your team at games, negativity is verbally abusing players who play for Saints whilst they are on the pitch.

Good luck to Luke Shaw and a very happy birthday to him, hopefully he will go on to have very many happy years at Saints, if he sees out this five year deal then that will signify that the club has re established their selves back in the top flight

Photo: Action Images

thegeneral added 10:39 - Jul 13 Probably the best signing we make this summer, one of the brightest prospects in English football, glad he's sticking with us where he can round his game, get his boots on regularly and stay part of a squad that going into the top ten. Hopefully this sends the message loud and clear that we are no longer a selling club and Chelsea, Arsenal and manure can look elsewhere. Great season ahead of us, top 7 finish.

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landsdownsaint added 10:41 - Jul 13 I'm having to pinch myself here! What NC has done with our beloved club is not far short of a miracle, and to think some of us are still questioning him ( myself included) to tie down Shaw on a five yr contract with all the usual suspects lurking is incredible COYR
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A1079 added 11:01 - Jul 13 Saintnick - spot on with your comments and pleased you recognised Adkins contribution. I feel Adkins understands how to develop young players. This though, is the best news this summer and I believe Shaw has made the right decision, not just for the club and team but also for himself. You are right, he is young and he will have his off periods and we need to remember that.

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Ddobsy added 11:21 - Jul 13 Probably the best piece of analysis I've read for a while. Lets hope Shaw stays long enough to play in red & white stripes.
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REEDYREEDOREEDZ added 12:53 - Jul 14 Yeah spot on Nick. Adkins brought him in just at the right time. Any earlier could've ruined his confidence. And well done to Shaw for having the sense to realise that at his age first team football is the most important thing!
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