Arguably Adam Armstrong was Saints best player last season, not only was he the club's top scorer, but also the second top scorer in the division and highest provider of assists, now comes the good news that he has put pen to paper on a new deal.
There were high hopes for Adam Armstrong three years ago when he joined the club from Blackburn Rovers, but despite scoring on his debut at Everton on the opening day, he would score only one more goal that season.
His second season was a bad one for Southampton FC as they slumped to relegation, but although he scored only two goals again, you could see a change in his style, he was involved in a lot of the build up to the few goals we did score and his work rate was phenomenal.
It was therefore no surprise to me last season when he scored 21 goals in the regular season and added 13 assists to the contributions table, his game was not just about scoring goals and Saints fans started to recognise that.
Add to that the 3 goals he scored in the 3 games in the play offs including the only goal in the play off final at Wembley to send us up and he was our most valuable player in terms of his contribution, his game had added a different dimension not there before, he was just as useful in tracking back as he was going forward, he made some vital interceptions and tackles in his own penalty area.
So the news that he has signed a new deal and tied himself to the club for the next 3 years is good news, of course some will say that the Championship is a lot different to the Premier League and he failed last time, but back then he was being judged just on goals scored and now we have to judge him on a wider picture.
To ask him to score 21 goals and get 13 assists is going to be a step too far, I am not going to claim otherwise, but his work rate is perhaps going to mean that his second stab at the Premier League with the club might well be a successful one, but judge him on his overall play, not just how many goals he scores.
Adam had this to say on southamptonfc.com
"It’s amazing. Coming off last season, having that buzz, coming back into pre-season and getting started again brings back memories, so I’m delighted.
"I’m looking forward to it – back in the Premier League, it’s the best league in the world. It’s just about enjoying it and hopefully pushing on.”
Russell Martin added:
"Arma has been such a huge player for us since we came to the club last summer. As someone who had lived through the pain of the previous season, it was clear he had a fire in his eyes and a determination to put that right.
"Even looking beyond his amazing numbers in terms of goals and assists, his relentless desire to press the opposition and willingness to play in different positions, sacrificing himself for his teammates, are outstanding attributes that speak volumes for his character.
"I’m delighted we’ve been able to secure his future with us, and I have no doubts he will be just as important to us in the Premier League as he was in the Championship.”