Dean Hammond has replaced Kelvin Davis as Saints’ on-field captain – and has his predecessor’s backing.

Midfielder Hammond, 26, skippered Brighton and Colchester before his summer move to St Mary’s.

He will take over the Saints captaincy for this weekend’s game against Norwich.

Goalkeeper Davis retains the club captaincy but admits Hammond’s position in central midfield makes him the obvious candidate to wear the armband.

Davis said: “The captaincy is something we’ve both spoken about with the manager.

“He feels someone on the pitch wearing the armband can have more of an effect on the lads and on certain situations, including the referee.

“I can’t argue with that, there aren’t many goalkeepers who |captain their sides.

“You can only do so much from the goalmouth. Maybe giving the armband to somebody else can maybe raise their game by five or ten per cent.

“If it’s the difference between us winning and drawing games or drawing games instead of losing then I accept that.

“I’m still captain of the football club and the manager’s come out and said loudly and proudly that that’s the case.

“I won’t change my game one bit, I certainly feel I’ve still got a lot to offer vocally in and around the dressing room, off the pitch and at the training ground. It’s something I’ll continue to do.”