STUART Armstrong has served Southampton admirably.
When a player who has given it everything leaves the team, there is always a bittersweet feeling.
He will depart having provided supporters with countless memorable moments; his propensity for scoring spectacular goals will last forever.
He offered the team something unique as a player. He was a talented player who was also eager to cover territory.
That goal he scored against Coventry City is still fresh in my memory. He headed straight towards the ball. He struck across the ball with his next touch, twisting it into the upper corner.
I was doing the game’s commentary. I shall never forget that objective.
Every player must make these choices at some point in their career. It is not guaranteed that players and supporters will always concur with their choices.
Armstrong deserved to wear a Championship playoff winners medal around his neck as his tenure with the Saints came to an end.
There will undoubtedly be some personal sadness, though, that his injury prevented him from participating in the Wembley victory.
Being carted off the field during his farewell game for the Saints against Cardiff is by no means the fitting conclusion to his stay.
Both he and Gavin Bazunu, who was unable to enter the pitch, undoubtedly had significant roles to play at Wembley.
In the summer, he remained where many others had gone. And while missing the big moment, he was still a key player in the season’s advancement.
Stuart Armstrong warming up before a St. Mary’s game (picture courtesy of Stuart Martin)
Needless to say, Southampton will need to find a replacement for Armstrong this summer. His position in midfield is crucial.
The loan to Joe Rothwell is now terminated. Though he didn’t appear at his best under Russell Martin prior to leaving for Juventus in the winter, Charly Alcaraz will make a comeback this summer.
Considering our advancement, finding a good replacement is even more crucial. In the Premier League, having a midfield player who can consistently create chances is essential.
It’s far easier said than done, but Southampton would be better off finding Armstrong’s replacement as quickly as possible.
The heads of recruitment will already have compiled a set of objectives. They need to move quickly to get a signature.
Before the season begins and the first game is played, Russell will want to know which team is the best. He won’t want to hold out for a crucial midfield piece.
Additionally, an early signing will offer the new player the maximum amount of time to adjust to a new setting.
This system has a lot to teach us, therefore it would be better to give each participant every opportunity to succeed.
Not all of Southampton’s players left this summer, including Armstrong. Additionally, Matt Carson, Jake Vokins, Luke Pearce, and Dynel Simeu, four academy players, were not kept on.
Four academy players are leaving Staplewood this summer, including Dynel Simeu (Image: Chris Moorhouse).
For those players who will never be able to fulfil their dream of rising through the ranks and earning a spot in the starting lineup, I’m sure this will be a trying moment.
But this can also be a great chance for them to make a name for themselves somewhere else. Moving on can often be the best course of action, particularly if your road to the first team is obstructed.
Their status as Southampton academy players will undoubtedly work as a recommendation to other teams hoping to add players this summer.
How many times have players been released by Southampton throughout the years only to go on to have prosperous Football League careers?
This loss must serve as motivation for Vokins, Pearce, Simeu, and Carson, and I have no doubt that it will. Being released indicates that your time with the Saints has come to an end; it does not imply that you are a poor player.
To all of the players who have left the men’s and women’s teams, I would like to extend my best wishes. I wish that each of you keeps having success in your line of work.
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