PAUL Wotton believes that Saints’ youngsters have benefited from the remarkable last year at the club.

From managerial changes to boardroom changes, from ten point deductions to administration and subsequent rescue – it’s been a story you almost couldn’t have made up.

Though Wotton has been around the block and is mature enough to handle anything thrown in his path, the same could not necessarily have been said for some of his teammates, many of whom have had their first taste of league action over the past year. the experiences have made them stronger and that will count for a lot when the new League One campaign gets underway against Millwall at St Mary’s on Saturday, August 8.

He said: “I see no fear in this changing room.

“I’m sure the new manager will bring a few players in of his own because that’s football, that’s what happens, and we can do good stuff.

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“For having a young squad last year and what they went through, they’ve had to grow up very quick.

“They’ve had to deal with in one season what players, professionals of 14 years, have not had to deal with so I can’t see what you could chuck at them that would surprise them.

“They have grown up an awful lot and they’re so excited by the takeover and the new manager.

“The sooner August 8 comes round the better.”

Despite his ‘veteran’ status, Wotton seems genuinely excited about what is in prospect at Saints and is looking forward to a fresh start.

“From a player’s point of view it’s really important now that we draw a line through all the rubbish that happened last year,” he said.

“Too much happened – it was like a soap opera at times. Crazy.

“It is time to finally start looking at some positive things.

“We’ve got our heads around the fact we’re in League One on minus ten, we see it as a great challenge and we can’t wait to get going.

“We’re so grateful to the new owners for giving us some security and I’m sure the new manager will be appointed shortly.

“It’s exciting times to be a Saints player and a Saints fan.

“I could stand here all day and bang on about the negative things that have happened, but it’s in the past now.

“So much has happened – all the takeover sagas, managers coming and going.

“But as soon as the new manager comes in, whoever that may be, it’s a fresh start.”

Wotton has shown no ill effects of the horrible facial injury he sustained at the end of the last home game against Burnley in April. He was one of the best Saints players on show in the preseason friendly at Bournemouth at the weekend, even playing at right back.

“It was a good workout. It was the first 90 minutes for a lot of people since Nottingham Forest,”

said Wotton.

“Bournemouth were good opposition so it was a good fitness workout definitely.

“It was even first half, we looked decent and scored a great goal and then five minutes was our undoing and we ended up losing 2-1.

“But we escaped relatively injury free and it was a good 90 minutes workout.

“You know me, I will play wherever I’m told.

“Stewart (Henderson) did what he wanted to do and I’ve played right back before and will do so no problem.”