Paul Wotton has signed a three-year contract with Southampton after his surprising release by Plymouth at the end of last season. The former Argyle skipper spent all his career at Home Park, making his debut in 1994 and wearing the colours on over 400 occasions. The 30-year-old returned to first team action in February after over a year on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury but was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Paul Sturrock when his contract expired this summer. Wotton had several offers from Championship and League One clubs but, as givemefootball's Mark Shail discovered, the Saints were his number one choice.
Q:YOU MUST BE PLEASED TO HAVE SIGNED FOR SOUTHAMPTON?
A:I am thrilled and honoured to be signing for Southampton. I was available on a Bosman free transfer and there had been a fair bit of interest but as soon as I found out Southampton wanted me then I came down for talks. I never doubted by ability to get a good club. I'm really excited about this challenge.
Q:WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE SOUTHAMPTON?
A:I know Jason Dodd from his time at Plymouth and Micky Evans is a good friend and I spoke to them both about it and they backed up what I already knew. They spoke very highly about the club and the area and I'm really excited. Southampton is also a great place to bring up your family. That is as important to me as the football side. I envisage my wife and two kids being very happy there.
Q:DID IT TAKE LONG TO SORT OUT A DEAL?
A:I had known of Southampton's interest for about ten days. I had talks with the chairman (Rupert Lowe) on Monday and then sailed through the medical. Once I was there for talks it all happened very quickly.
Q:WILL IT BE STRANGE FOR YOU WALKING INTO AN UNFAMILAR DRESSING ROOM AFTER SPENDING SO LONG AT PLYMOUTH?
A:Yes, it will all be very new to me because I had been at Plymouth for a long time but I will bring a fair bit of experience and I am really looking forward to being part of what is happening here. I have always been the sort to keep setting myself challenges and this is a big one. I have been in the Championship for several years and this is a great opportunity for me to come and play football.
Q:HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO THE NEW MANAGER YET? (FORMER HOLLAND INTERNATIONAL JAN POORTVLIET)
A:I have spoken to the new manager, who wants me to bring an English mentality to the dressing room. Southampton are a massive club who under-achieved last season. The training ground and the stadium are different class. I've also met (coach) Mark Wotte and he spoke very well. I was impressed by him and the way he wants to play football and how he sees me fitting in.
Q:I SUPPOSE THE FIXTURE AGAINST PLYMOUTH ON BOXING DAY WILL BE A BIG GAME FOR YOU?
A:I would be lying if I said I hadn't had thoughts about playing at Home Park on Boxing Day. But it's the old cliché I’m afraid – I will cross that bridge when I come to it. At least it means the kids can see there grandparents on Christmas Day!
