With a number of forwards on the books Southampton have quantity but lack quality, so they need to clear the decks and free up space both in the squad and on the wage bill for new signings, hence today's transfer news.

Dominic Ballard burst on to the scene two years ago when he came on as a 75th minute substitute in a League cup tie at Cambridge United, his goal in the last minute to secure the tie at 3-0 gave him a high profile, but with Saints heading towards relegation, chances were limited as attacking options were signed and blocking his path. He did manage a couple of sub appearances in the Premier League and also an FA Cup appearance.

Some Saints supporters thought that he was ready for the first team in the Championship, but the truth was having only just turned 18, he was raw and although it would have been easy to have thrown him into the team, there was a job to be done and Russell Martin felt he needed experienced players to do that job.

That meant a move last season for Dom to Reading to toughen him up for what would hopefully be a long career in the Southampton first team, sadly after 6 starts and 4 sub appearances for the Royals in League One, he suffered an injury that kept him on the side lines for the rest of the season.

Now he is back to where he was a year ago and although again there are some who think he is first team ready, the truth is he has yet to prove it and so he is off on loan again this time to Blackpool, again in League One.

I am not sure why he prefers Blackpool to Reading, perhaps he likes sand, funfairs & Illuminations, but that is where he is heading and i am sure that Southampton supporters will be keeping a close eye on him and hoping that he will succeed.

This will hopefully see him get some real experience in the men's game and this time next year he will be a genuine contender for a first team place.

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