RALPH Hasenhuttl issued a message to Saints youngsters that the “grass is not always greener”, after Tyler Dibling’s shock return to the club.
The 16-year-old attacker made a high profile move to Chelsea just under two months ago, where he was set to enjoy a lucrative contract with the Blues.
Dibling had shot to fame after he scored a viral hat-trick in only his second match at under-23s level, in a Premier League 2 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The youngster was awarded a berth on the bench in the Premier League contest at Brentford by first-team manager Hasenhuttl, towards the end of the season.
However, he completed a move to London anyway. After not enjoying circumstances at his new club including training, living situations and the pressure of being a well-known player, he asked to return to Saints.
“This is maybe an example of listening a little bit more to what experienced people in the club are telling you,” Hasenhuttl admitted. “Then you don't make things what doesn't help you maybe in your development as a player.
"This can be a message for some other players also that it is not always the big club that is immediately helping you.”
The Daily Echo understands Dibling asked to return to Saints just six weeks into his spell at Chelsea, and met with academy higher-ups to discuss his steps on Saturday, August 27.
Academy staff are happy to have Dibling back home, while the two clubs cooperated to ensure the right steps were taken for the young player’s health.
“Sometimes it's better to stay in an environment where you feel home and where everybody does everything for you,” Hasenhuttl continued.
“And I'm sure that you get here a very good development in your game. There's a reason why in England I think you say the grass is not always greener somewhere.”
It is not a universal fitting for all players, though, with the Daily Echo speaking recently to Eddie Beach - who also left Saints for Chelsea this summer.
The goalkeeper is enjoying life at Cobham after signing his first professional contract, appearing in Premier League 2 and UEFA Youth League.
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