Bradley Wright-Phillips admitted George Burley's fantastic track record at developing young talent lured him to Saints.
The 21-year-old striker yesterday completed his £750,000 transfer from Manchester City, part funded by the £250,000 Saints won from Coca-Cola as part of their win a player for your club' promotion.
Wright-Phillips, who also took advice from his dad Ian Wright, the Arsenal legend who used to score for fun against Saints confessed the chance to move from being a fringe player at City to a first teamer at Saints was also a major attraction.
He said: "George being here was definitely important with his track record with young players. I'm hoping he can bring everything I haven't got to my game anything he's got to offer I'll take.
"This move is like a breath of fresh air for me. I have been at Man City since I was 13 and it's been great but I got this offer to play first team football rather than reserve team football.
"It was a wrench to leave but this was too good to turn down.
"I think it will do me good to be a first team player here and my confidence as well. I think I'll thrive."
Burley was delighted to have signed a player of genuine Premiership quality, adding: "I don't envisage him playing anywhere other than through the middle.
"I think we've got a good strike force but nobody with natural pace and that's Bradley's strength."
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