SAINTS U23 coach Radhi Jaïdi is set to head to the USA for a year to join United Soccer League Championship team Hartford Athletic, as part of a new partnership between the clubs.

A Saints FC statement said: 'Radhi Jaïdi has reached an agreement in principle to join the USL Championship outfit as part of a 12-month secondment.

‘Subject to the completion of relevant documentation, Jaïdi will become Head Coach of the Connecticut based club, who currently play in the second tier of the US football pyramid.

'The move signals the first stage of developing a partnership between Hartford Athletic and the Southampton Academy, which may in the future involve player loans. It also allows the club to strengthen the identification of talented young players in the US whilst sharing knowledge and experience of young player development.

‘Current Under-23s Assistant Coach David Horseman will lead the Under-23s on an interim basis and be supported by Head of Player Development David Hughes.’

Academy Director Matt Hale said: “The opportunity to become Head Coach of a senior team is an exciting proposition for Radhi and we wish him well for his spell with Hartford Athletic.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Radhi to Hartford as our next Head Coach,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman and CEO Bruce Mandell.

"We thank Southampton Football Club for putting their trust in our organisation and look forward to our growing relationship.”