Danny Butterfield delighted to be at Southampton

Butterfield played 85 minutes in last night’s 1-0 friendly win at Farnborough, after moving to St Mary's on a free transfer last week.

He is expected to start the season at right-back, after fellow summer signing Frazer Richardson suffered a dislocated shoulder that looks set to keep him out for about three months.

Butterfield, who had been released from Crystal Palace at the end of last season, jumped at the chance to join Saints when he was approached.

“It was an easy decision to come down here,” he said.

“As soon as I heard of the interest I was keen to get the deal done as quickly as possible because, like the Saints fans, I certainly believe that we’re in for a successful season ahead of us.

“I know that I’m joining a very good club, which I believe will be successful over the next two or three years, not just this season.

“When you’re a footballer this is the position that you want to be in as you’d sooner be striving for success than fighting a relegation battle, but I’m sure the boys are very positive going into this season.

“There will be high pressure games, but they’re what you want to play in, so we’re all looking forward to it.

“I’m delighted to be at Southampton and I’m looking forward to the campaign.”

The 30-year-old was also pleased with the side’s showing at Farnborough.

“It was a good work out,” he said.

“Farnborough were a good team, so it was a good test for us and I think the lads worked really hard for each other, which is the main point of the game.

“The youngsters who played did well and that can only be good for the club, but the experienced boys also acquitted themselves well, so it was a good win and a good work out.”