Armstrong proud of personal growth as a Saint
Adam Armstrong believes he has grown as a person during his time with Southampton, and can’t wait for another crack at the Premier League after signing a new contract at St Mary’s.
The striker was a talismanic figure last season as Saints clinched an immediate return to the big time with victory in the Championship play-off final, with Armstrong scoring the only goal – his 24th of the campaign – against Leeds at Wembley.
Now he has been rewarded with a new three-year deal, tying the Geordie to the south coast until 2027, where he has started a family with wife Rebecca.
Armstrong admits it has not always been easy since his 2021 arrival from Blackburn, but says he has “come on massively off the pitch” – as well as on it – under manager Russell Martin, who appointed him as vice-captain last season.
“The first two seasons in the Prem was tough, I didn’t really get going,” the 27-year-old reflected. “I was in and out of the team in the first two years, but that’s football.
“It’s something I was used to, it’s happened before, but I’m looking forward to it – back in the Premier League, it’s the best league in the world.
“There are lads that haven’t been there, there are lads with experience in the Premier League, but we’ve just got to go and attack it really – play the way we play and see where it gets us.
“I think I’ve come on massively off the pitch. The gaffer gave me that trust, giving me the armband when Jack [Stephens] got injured, and I think it’s just about being around the boys, having a good changing room and lads that want to learn and listen.
“I’m still like that myself – I listen to all the older boys and younger boys, and we all try to get better each day.”
The opening day of the season will be particularly special for the boyhood Newcastle fan, who started his career at St James’ Park, as Saints make the long journey to the north east to take on Armstrong’s former club on Saturday 17th August.
“Just being back in the Premier League is the main thing,” he said. “But obviously the first game being away at Newcastle will be good from a personal note of being back there with all my family there, so that will be nice.”
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