Claude Puel has given his first words as manager of Southampton Football Club and is looking forward to the wonderful challenge.

The worst kept secret in an SO Postcode was finally revealed today when Claude Puel was announced as the new manager of Southampton Football Club, Puel takes charge with immediate effect and will have net those players who are not on International duty who where at Staplewood for fitness assessment ahead of next weeks return for pre season training.

Puel has spoken to the Saints youtube channel of his excitement at joining the club.

The first question answered though for Saints fans is whether the new man speaks any English, you will all be pleased to know that his English is very good and he will have little trouble communicating with the players. This is part of what he has said, view the whole interview on the Saints you tube channel using the link at the bottom of the page.

"I am very happy to be the new manager, because it's a good opportunity and a good challenge for me to come here to Southampton — a very good club and a very good organisation,” said Puel, who has extensive experience of managing in the Champions League, as well as the French top-flight.

“The challenge for me, and for the club also, is to continue the good results and to play games every three days.

“It's a new thing for the club, although not for me, because I know this, but it will be important to know the particularities of this season and I think it will be important to give success and to keep the philosophy of the club also — a squad with very good technique and a team that can give pleasure for the fans.”

"I liked what the directors had to say, because it's important for the club to continue the philosophy of the game of Southampton. It's important to improve young players, but also to keep efficient with the results.

“It’s a very, very good challenge for Southampton, but for me also. I know the high level with different clubs in France, I know the Europa League, I know the Champions League.

“I hope that it's a possibility in the future for Southampton to play in the Champions League, but it's important to improve with these players. They know the high level with the Europa League and I hope with the Champions League for the future.”

Photo: Action Images

highfield49 added 14:38 - Jun 30 Now it's up to us supporters to get behind the manager and the players. The future looks bright.
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hedgeendmike added 14:48 - Jun 30 Eric Black Really?
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saintinexile added 16:30 - Jun 30 'Eric Black Really?'...............as part of the management team....... Nothing like a really positive supporting comment to gee up the team and club alike right from the start is there?
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TreeHugger added 17:37 - Jun 30 Sad to see Sammy Lee go, wish him the best of luck in his next role. Thought he was a decent coach for us and always seemed to care
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DPeps added 18:44 - Jun 30 Given the strong competition the club must have a lot of faith in Puel. They've got it right with the last few appointments so we should be hopeful and excited
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richsaints added 18:45 - Jun 30 OK then here we go lets get behind him and give the guy a chance. I hope my fears are completely unfounded and its another masterstroke. Time will tell.
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bstokesaint added 19:33 - Jun 30 I genuinely believe this guy was pickd from a decent shortlist and that we could have recruited other bigger names if we wanted to. The board made it very clear they wanted someone who will work hands on with the players, believes in youth, plays good exciting football and who can achieve success as a manager when money isn't just thown at them. He ticks all the boxes, is highly respected in France and has Europa and CL experience. I really can't see where all the doubt is coming from. It's not like he's even coming into the team like Koeman did after a mass clear out. We've lost two players we expected to lose and have what you would expect to be a decent anount of money to improve the squad. The future is bright, even though some fans clearly need more convincing.

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SaintPaulVW added 19:45 - Jun 30 Seems like a good fit given where we are and where we want to try to get. Let's see how it goes. COYR!
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BoondockSaint added 19:51 - Jun 30 No necktie for Les-he gave it (the best one he had) away to Klopp for nothing earlier in the day. He will now be seen searching jumble sales for a replacement.
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martinsaintis added 20:27 - Jun 30 I'm happy very positive for the year ahead. He seems suitable enough. Perfect timing for the start of pre season so he can get to grips with everyone. Has to plug the hole on players leaving. It'll be nice to see some kids coming through this year so hopefully not many going out on loan and bring in a couple more to replace mane and wanyama equal or better quality to lift the squad. Now for the kicker, i cant help to think about Aston Villa's experience with a French manager and how they struggled with an influx of new French players to the premiership with Eric Black as coach. Can't be repeated so lessons must be learned from this.

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law101 added 22:05 - Jun 30 My one worry is Eric Black... He has literally moved from relegated club to relegated club then become caretaker manager! He hasn't exactly been used to a successful environment! On the face of it he has got the job purely because he is available and speaks French, because his CV is simply awful. But I/ We have got to trust the club on this one as always!
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Saintsfaninoz added 09:38 - Jul 1 Personally, I would have loved Anai emery to be our next manager, but once PSG head hunted him, that was a no-go. I quite like this appointment. He seems to have a large personality which is said to be a reason he didn't succeed at Olympique Lyonnais...he butted heads with some of the veteran players there. He also has a good reputation for developing young players, which is a positive. If, as Les Reed said, the senior players were consulted over the appointment, then this should not be a problem going forward. RK will be a difficult act to follow, but I have confidence that the board have done due diligence, and that Puel fits in with the culture the club has implemented over the last 6-7 years. Those that say he doesn't have Premier League experience should remember, neither did Pochettino or Koeman and both of them turned out to be pretty good managers. I am really looking forward to the bext season. Sixth place will be difficult to replicate, but the funds available from the sale of Wanyama and Mane are certain to be reinvested in more players to strengthen the squad. For the first time in 4 or 5 seasons, I am not mourning the loss of players, I am thrilled and excited by the prospect of another successful season. We March On....Go Saints.

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lotus added 13:29 - Jul 1 this manager is domineering from the start.he made a veto on a deal on Adam Nagy,so he can "test the current state of the remaining players",before any purchase.of course when it will be over the player will be no longer available.why a buying of a player is an obstacle for a new manager?no one knows
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