SAINTS have signed a defender who was not only one of the Championship’s finest but would also hold his own in the Premier League.

That is the verdict from the Crystal Palace supporters who have watched Saints new-boy Jose Fonte star at the heart of their back-line for the last two and a half-seasons.

For Saints, tempting the 26-year-old Portuguese defender to drop down a division and move to St Mary’s was a real coup, with manager Alan Pardew believing the highly-rated former Benfica man has what it takes to go all the way to the top flight with Saints.

But for the Eagles fans, seeing Fonte depart has left them feeling a whole range of downcast emotions, from “devastated” to “upset” to “gutted,” though they have only good words to say about him.

Gordon Law, editor of Palace fans forum Holmesdale.net said: “He is hugely popular with the Palace fans.

“He’s a very good defender, rarely made mistakes, was composed and played a major part in our defensive record which was one of the best in the league."

He added: “He is too good for League One – no question.

“There are a lot of good centre-halves in the Championship.

“He is not outstanding compared to the others but he is one of the best.

“I could see him as a Premier League player."

Matt Hepburn, who runs independent supporters group the Holmesdale Fanatics Ultras, added: “He is a fantastic player – cultured and steady in defence. “He has also got a good finish on him.

“His brother (former Arsenal trainee Rui Fonte) is a forward and he has a bit of that about him as well.

“He scored some cracking goals for us. More than anything he has got a real love for playing and he built up a great rapport with the fans and our group.

“We gave him player of the season last season and he came down to the pub to pick up the award and drunk a shot of tequilla with us.

“He has a great understanding of the fans and plays with passion because of that and Southampton fans will warm to him quickly.

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