Saints have swooped to complete their third summer signing with the capture of Paul Wotton.

The 30-year-old defensive central midfielder who can also play at the back has joined on a Bosman free transfer and has signed a three year contract.

Wotton has spent all his career at Plymouth, making his debut in 1994 and racking up over 400 starts for them in a 14 year stint at Home Park.

However, he was deemed surplus to requirements and was released when his contract expired at the end of the season and Saints have moved quickly to snap him up.

He said: "I am thrilled and honoured to be signing for Southampton. I was available on a Bosman free and there had been a fair bit of interest but as soon as I heard Southampton wanted me then I came down for talks.

"They are a great team and a fantastic club so this is a good move for me and I cannot wait to start work.

advertisement "I know Jason Dodd well from his time on loan 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 both spoke very highly about the club and the area and I am really excited to be coming 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.

"I met Mark Wotte yesterday 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.

"This is all very new for me because I have been at Plymouth 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."

Wotton spent many years as captain at Plymouth, leading them to the Division Three title in 2001/02 with a record 102 points.

In 2003/04 Wotton again won promotion with Plymouth, this time to the Championship where they have since remained.

Wotton has scored 64 goals in his time with Argyle due his free kick and penalty taking but suffered a major setback in December 2006 when he damaged medial and cruciate ligaments in his left knee.

He returned to the side at the end of last season to make a handful of appearances but was allowed to leave Home Park on a free transfer after Paul Sturrock decided the time was right for them to part company after 14 years.

Wotte added: "Paul Wotton is an experienced player, especially at Championship level. He is a very responsible player, both on and off the field.

"He is a strong character and a leader. He was Plymouth 's captain and we need experienced players to help guide our youngsters.

"We have a lot of young players in this squad and we also need some players who have seen it all before who can help them during difficult times in games. We have already signed Chris Perry and we are happy to have got Paul too.

"You can't have 11 youngsters, you need a blend of youth of experience. We have to have some strong characters with a tough mentality who are happy to join us. We don't want players who are hesitating to come or don't want to be here. After one meeting, he made his decision and we are delighted to have him."