WILL Ferry has signed a new contract with Saints, before joining Crawley Town on a season-long loan.

Left-back Ferry has put pen-to-paper on a fresh two-year deal, having initially joined the club from Bury in 2017.

But, in a move similar to fellow youngster Dan N'Lundulu earlier this summer, Ferry has immediately moved out on loan to gain valuable game time in the EFL.

League Two Crawley are managed by John Yems and get their campaign underway at Hartlepool United on Saturday.

Ferry, 20, played 16 times for Saints' B team in Premier League 2 last season. He provided four assists and three goals for Dave Horseman's side and was also named on the bench for the first team in the Premier League on also 16 occasions - although is yet to make his senior debut.

Discussing the new deal and loan move for Ireland under-21 international Ferry, Saints academy director Matt Hale said: “Firstly, it's great that Will has agreed a new contract with the Club. Will was very consistent with his performances last year and adapted well to a change of position whilst playing in the B team.

"A loan right now is the right move for Will and the next step in his progression with us which will see him develop even further and gain some valuable senior playing experience in the football league."