Manning thrilled at joining Saints
New Southampton signing Ryan Manning explained that the chance to reunite with manager Russell Martin and push for promotion to the Premier League was too good an opportunity for him to turn down.
The 27-year-old left-back put pen to paper on a contract until 2027 with the club on Tuesday, becoming the first signing of the summer for Martin's side.
Having worked under the Saints boss over the past few seasons in Swansea, and crediting the "massive" influence he had on his game, Manning can't wait to get started with him on the south coast.
"When he came to Swansea, I played as a centre-half for the first season and then obviously wing-back and left-back for last season and he just had a massive impact on my career both on and off the pitch," he said.
"He brought me on leaps and bounds as a player, taught me other sides of the game, the professional side of it, and brought that part on and I had my best season under him last season, so the opportunity to work with him and all the staff again was just one I couldn't turn down and I'm excited to build on last season from a personal point of view and obviously with the goal of getting promoted, which is the main aim for everyone."
Ryan Manning poses with the new Southampton home shirt (Photos: Matt Watson)
With his own experience of the Championship, combined with his familiarity with the manager's approach, Manning is hopeful he can make a positive contribution in Saints' bid to quickly return to the top-flight.
"The obvious difference [in the Championship] is the fixtures and the extra games you have to fulfil in the year, so the schedule is gruelling at times, so being used to that is probably an advantage and then the other one is being with the gaffer and the staff the last two seasons," he said.
"I know the style of football, it's probably a massive change for a lot of players who haven't experienced that level of complete football and complete domination of possession. It's quite a unique style and I think everyone will love it.
"So having that advantage of knowing the style already and being able to pass on little bits of information that I found helpful when I was learning it to the other boys and just making the transition as seamless as possible so we can hit the ground running.
"I'm buzzing to get involved. I'm looking forward to meeting all the lads – the gaffer and the staff have said really good things about them. I know a couple of them from being involved with the Irish team, so I'm buzzing to get started and looking forward to getting going."
Manning added: "The club is desperate to get back to the Premier League and I'm desperate to try and get there with them, so I'm going to do everything I can to help the club and hopefully come next May we're celebrating promotion."
