FORMER Saints coach Alex Clapham secured a role working on set-pieces with Brazilian side Vasco da Gama and admitted: “I wanted something new.”

Clapham only arrived at Staplewood in June as part of a shake-up of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s coaching structure.

He joined to lead the coaching on set-pieces, having previously held positions in Spain and Sweden, as well as with Sheffield United and Manchester City.

But the south coast club in September confirmed Clapham had departed Saints due to personal reasons.

Clapham has now arrived at Vasco, with the club sitting fourth in Serie B and looking to seal promotion with seven games to go.

Speaking on the Brazilian outfit’s YouTube channel, Clapham said: “I was at a time in my career where I wanted something new outside my home country in England and I got the call to come here.

“It’s a great club, incredible environment.

“The staff and all my colleagues around me have helped me and I have met the players over the past two days, so it’s something completely new.

“In the next seven games we will try to get as much success as possible, whether that’s analysing opponents or working out where we can get better as a team as well.

“We are trying to get better at attacking set-pieces.”

Clapham has dedicated himself to analysing and coaching set-pieces and is a UEFA pro license holder having attained the highest coaching qualification during a stint in Spain.

His most recent job before working at Saints was as a first-team coach with Notts County.

“It’s been an incredible reception, even from the top, from the club and from the owners,” said the coach on his arrival in Brazil.

“Out on the pitch I have been around the players, they have given me an incredible welcome.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with players and staff of this level."

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