HARRY REDKNAPP has hailed the return of Steve Wigley to Saints, saying: "I could not be happier."

Redknapp replaced Wigley as Saints boss last December, but always hoped that his predecessor would stay at the club.

Wigley initially turned down the offer of a coaching role, but yesterday, as reported in later editions of the Echo, opted to return in his former job overseeing the development of the club's youngsters.

"I'm well pleased about Steve Wigley," said Redknapp. "I couldn't be more pleased that he is coming back.

"He's a good lad, he's a smashing fella and he did a good job before. We've got some good kids here."

Last night's two-goal hero Peter Crouch said all the players were also delighted that the former head coach and reserve team boss had returned.

"We are really pleased - everyone knows how the lads feel about him, he's a good man," said Crouch.

Wigley, pictured above, had replaced Paul Sturrock at the helm after just two games of the season, but won only one match - against Redknapp's Portsmouth - before being relieved of his duties after a 3-0 loss at Old Trafford.

Academy director Huw Jennings, meanwhile, has has spoken of his delight at Wigley's return.

Wigley, who first joined Saints in 2001, is now back in the same job he had before taking on the head coach's role in August.

And Jennings is delighted at the return of the 43-year-old, who has worked for the club as reserve team manager, caretaker manager and head coach as well as director of youth.

Jennings said: "I've always said that Steve is the academy's missing link. When he left he was offered an opportunity to stay but had no desire to return - he felt it was best for both parties to go their separate ways. But we've bided our time in finding a replacement because we were always hopeful he would reconsider.

"A few of us have kept in touch with Steve on a social basis since he's been away and we always seem to end up talking about the progress of the young players here.

"Steve has been part of something exciting, and he wants to see that through.

"He has an ebullience about him that is infectious and his passion for the game is something we're very pleased to have back."

The return of Wigley is a big boost for the academy ahead of the under-18s' FA Youth Cup quarter final against West Ham at Upton Park on Tuesday.

Wigley has so far attended all Saints' games in the Youth Cup as a spectator.

Jennings added: "The reaction from the players has been very positive and Steve works very well with Stewart Henderson and Georges Prost.

"To begin with, he'll be coaching on a daily basis and will also be watching the loanees at their various clubs, as well as working with the younger age groups, which he always did in the past.

"And when the time comes, he'll be able to help the young players make the transition from the youth set-up to the first team."