Will Smallbone wants to help Southampton move on from former stars

The 20-year-old joined the club’s famed academy aged just eight and looked up to the likes of Champions League winner Bale, defender Shaw and fellow midfielder James Ward-Prowse.

But after developing a string of top-flight players in years gone by, Saints believe Smallbone can lead the future generation of stars.

And the St Mary’s youngster has the same ambition.

“That’s the dream,” Smallbone told the Daily Echo, when asked about helping the club move on from Bale and Shaw.

Ex-Saint Luke Shaw

“As you come through the academy you are looking up to them and other players.

“But now it’s time for us to push on and create our own legacy. 

“Now I’ve got everything sorted off the pitch it means I can just focus on playing football.

“I want to focus on improving where I’ve been told to improve and then just push on from there.”

Smallbone's new contract, that keeps him at Saints until at least 2024, comes a week after manager Ralph Hasenhuttl committed his long-term future to the club.

There's hope that the Austrian can provide a level of stability that's been absent in recent seasons following a string of unsuccessful managerial appointments.

Hasenhuttl's faith in youth helped pave the way for Smallbone to make his mark in the first team back in January.

The midfielder was handed his debut against Huddersfield in the FA Cup and marked it with a goal.

He was then picked for two Premier League ties in February before the coronavirus crisis led to football being paused.

Asked about his relationship with Hasenhuttl, Smallbone said: “He’s been great. He’s given me a chance this season and he’s been great with me around the training ground.

“He tells me what I need to improve on which is really good. 

“He tells what I’m doing well which is helpful but to push on you need someone telling you what you need to get better at and he does that.

Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl

“I think he can help me push on a lot because he’s the one who gave me the chance to join in with the first team training.

“I really like the philosophy he’s brought in and I think over the next few years we can go on and achieve some good things.”

Smallbone also believes the added stability will be crucial in his quest to become a regular starter for Saints in the Premier League.

“You know that we have a bit of stability and that helps because I know the people I’ll be working with for the next four years of my career," the 20-year-old added.

“That’s a really good thing for me and my development.”