A quick look at possible Saints signing from Crystal Palace Nathaniel Clyne as speculation hots up that he could be the next man into St Mary's
The first glance at Nathaniel Clyne's statistics tell you one thing, despite his age he would not be coming to St Mary's as understudy to Fraser Richardson, but as a genuine replacement, of course he would have to earn that place in the team, but despite Richardson turning 30 in October and Clyne only just 21, our current right back has only started around 100 league games more than the Palace player, indeed in terms of experience its negligible, yes Fraser has played in the Premier but less than half a dozen games for Leeds over 8 years ago isnt surging him to the front of the experience stakes, the truth is Clyne having made his debut so early in his career and playing regularly ever since has only played two seasons worth of games lessthan Richardson despite their nine year age gap.
Clyne made his debut for the Eagles in October 2008 still aged only 17, in that season he went on to make a further 25 appearances for the club, establishing himself in the team, in 2009/10 he played another 29 times also picking up the Football league young player of the year award , but it was to be in 2010/11 he really came to the fore and blossomed, he was firstly the youngest player in the football league that season to play every league game and was also voted rystal Palace's player of the year.
Last season he played 28 times to give a career total appearances in the Championship for Palace 118 starts plus 4 as sub with a solitary goal to his name in addition.
Known as a quiet thoughtful man off the pitch its clear that Clyne makes his decisions based on what will be best for his career rather than his wallet, indeed at the close of the transfer window in February 2010 he was offered a move to Premiership Wolverhampton Wanderers, he turned it down without even speaking to the Midlands club, knowing that he needed to hone his craft a little before going to the top flight and that he was better doing that at Selhurst Park where he would play first team games, than in Wolves reserves.
Last season he progressed from the England U19 side to the U21's where he won 2 caps.
One thing is for sure Clyne is a man who knows that best for his career, if he is to join Saints he will not only need to be convinced about the ambition of the club, but that he will be first choice in the right back role, or at least be given the chance to prove that he is worthy. As mentioned experience wise there is little to choose between Richardson or Clyne, if Saints sign him they might just land themselves one of the crucial signings of their summer.