RADHI Jaidi thanked manager Alan Pardew and chairman Nicola Cortese for the effort they put into his protracted move to Saints.

The deal had been held up for some time over complications with the 34 year-old defender’s work permit.

But Pardew and Cortese remained determined to bring the experienced Tunisian international to St Mary’s.

And their determination was rewarded when Jaidi finally signed for Saints late on transfer deadline day, subject to the completion of work permit formalities.

Jaidi, who penned a two-year deal, said: “I am very grateful to the manager and the chairman for working so hard to bring me here, because there have been some complications to work through.”

Ironically the 100-times capped defender made his first appearance in England at the ground he will now call home.

Jaidi, pictured right, marked his debut for Bolton, who he joined on a free transfer from Tunisian champions Esperance in July 2004, with a fine display in a 2-1 win against Saints at St Mary’s.

He recalled: “The memories of that day are still fresh in my mind. I remember being named man-of-the-match.

“I didn’t score, but I got a bottle of champagne from Sky after the game and it was amazing for me, because it was my first game in this country.

“I had a good start in England and now I am motivated to do the same again with Southampton. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

He added: “Anything can happen in football and we will have to wait and see this season, but if we win games, it will give us the confidence to go on.

“If we could reach the play-offs this year, it would be amazing.”