RICHARD Chaplow revealed Saints were one of the few sides that could have convinced him to drop down to League One.

The 25-year-old midfielder has moved to St Mary’s on a one-month loan deal from Championship club Preston.

Having played in the top flight just a few seasons ago, it is a bit of a dip for Chaplow, but one he had no qualms about making.

“As far as coming to Saints was concerned I was absolutely ecstatic to come back down,” said Chaplow, who had a loan spell at St Mary’s in 2005/06.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time here before and, to be honest, there probably wouldn’t be many clubs in League One that I would consider coming to.

“But Southampton is definitely one.

“ H a v i n g been here four years ago, I knew all about the club already and how big it was.

“That was a massive pull for me, whether or not they’re in League One.

“It’s not somewhere I would opt to play football, but because it’s Southampton I would be definitely willing to play here.

“In terms of the facilities and the players that they’ve got and the gaffer that was a big pull.”

Chaplow admitted he was surprised Saints had fallen so far f r o m when he was last at the club.

B a c k then they were a l e a g u e above and pushing for a return to the top flight.

“Even in the Championship they were probably in the wrong league then,” he said.

“So to be down in League One it’s obviously disappointing for the fans.

“But it’s up to the players now and obviously the gaffer to put things right on the pitch and hopefully come out of this season in a good position and ready to press on to the Championship.”

Chaplow added: “I would be very surprised if we’re here for any longer than a couple of seasons.

“Southampton will be looking to get out of the league and it’s obviously somewhere all the players will be wanting to get out of.

“Fingers crossed next season we will be back in the Championship and competing at a higher level.

“Then obviously it’s up to everyone to progress from there.”