How three less publicised Southampton youngsters did on loan this season

The 20-year-old defender proved himself above League Two level and became a fan favourite almost immediately with his passion and grit.

Saints could send another crop of youngsters out this summer, with the Daily Echo understanding Thierry Small, Simeu, Kegs Chauke – if he signs a new deal – and even Luke Pearce could pursue loan moves.

Saints loan manager, Danny Butterfield, is extremely popular with external sources for his efforts in pursuing loan deals for the youngsters at the club.

Midfielder Caleb Watts, who has already made his debut for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first-team, had a nightmare at Crawley Town after suffering a serious injury early into this spell.

Three other Saints talents had productive spells that you might be less familiar with. Here is how they got on…

Jake Vokins

Jake Vokins (Pic: PA)

Vokins missed the first 14 games of the Scottish Premiership through unfortunate injury -  the left-back had played two League Cup games in pre-season.

However, in the last day of training before the opening day of the league season he suffered a fracture in his fifth metatarsal through an innocuous touch of the ball.

His loan manager, Malky Mackay said back in July: “Jake had settled in really well in the three games he played. He was absolutely gutted, I spoke to Southampton on Friday and he will be operated down there.”

After enjoying the rehab facilities available to him at Staplewood, Vokins returned before the end of 2022 – playing 15 times in the league as Ross County qualified for the top six split.

Vokins, 22, then played almost every minute of the final five – but County picked up just one point to finish sixth.

Kayne Ramsay

Kayne Ramsay (Pic: PA)

Ramsay was on loan with League One Crewe Alexandra before he linked up with Vokins in Scotland. The 21-year-old had played 12 of 13 first matches for Crewe.

However, his gametime then became more sporadic and going into January, Saints made a hasty decision to recall the defender.

Crewe manager David Artell revealed the decision was made with little to no consultation, saying: “I was at the Bolton v Wycombe game on Tuesday night and I received a call from Kayne’s agent that he was being recalled by Southampton and I’ve not heard from Kayne since.

“It is what it is and we move on.”   

Ramsay then played eight matches for Ross County, scoring a late equaliser versus Livingstone.

But he picked up a red card against Celtic, in the penultimate game of the normal season, that sparked debate for what some deemed a dangerous tackle.

County manager Mackay defended him, saying: “I think it’s a harsh sending off. Letter of the law I suppose the referee can claim the trailing leg came off the ground, but he tackled the all and the boy didn’t get anywhere near the ball.

“There was no malice in it and I genuinely thought it was a yellow card if anything, but the noise in the stadium at that point doesn’t help. It gives us a mountain to climb after that.”

He added: “I don’t think it matters where you are, I just thought it was a harsh decision. I don’t think he meant to kick him at all and I think the referee has got to take that into consideration.”

However, Ramsay did not feature again for the rest of the season. Ramsay’s contract expires in 2023 and his role could be assessed in pre-season with Tino Livramento’s ACL injury likely to sideline him until next year.  

On the return of the two Saints youngsters, Mackay added: “It is good for us to develop relationships with top clubs and to be seen by them as a good development pathway for their players. On behalf of the club, I give my full thanks to Watford, Southampton, Coventry City and Charlton Athletic.”

“Our loan players this season have been brilliant. They have applied themselves fantastically well and have all seamlessly fitted in to our group.

“Jake Vokins showed true character in coming back from a dreadful injury and went on to become a mainstay in our team.”

“Kayne Ramsay scored a vital equaliser for us here against Livingston and has been a great member of the group with a tremendous personality.”

Will Ferry

Will Ferry (Pic: PA)

Ferry, 21, has spent the season with League Two Crawley Town – making himself a regular fixture in the side. The Republic of Ireland youth international made 36 appearances in the division, scoring once.

His contribution totalled to 58 per cent of minutes in the league season, while Ferry also appeared in both the EFL Cup and FA Cup matches.

Former Crawley manager John Yems – who is under FA investigation following allegations of discrimination and racist language – spoke highly of the youngster earlier this campaign.

“A couple of grand when he signs his first pro contract wouldn’t go amiss,” Yems joked. “It’s took a lot for him to come down to this level and to prove it at this level, because some playing in academies the physicality alone they wouldn’t be able to handle.

“You’re not getting a report sent to you by 67 people telling you how to do your laces up, someone helping him comb his hair, and someone telling him reasons for growing a beard and things like that.

“It’s just being a man, on the football pitch, it’s as simple as that.

Ferry’s contract also expires next summer, with his unclear after returning to Saints following the conclusion of his loan deal this season.

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