Southampton Football Club is pleased to announce that Dave Watson has extended his contract and taken on the position of Head of Goalkeeping.

Watson joined the club as Senior Goalkeeping Coach two years ago, and has been an integral part of the first-team staff since then.

He will continue his duties coaching the keepers in the first-team squad, but will now also oversee the work carried out at all levels.

"I'm delighted that the club have wanted to offer me a new contract,” he said. “I had no hesitation in signing that.

“The club have been very good to me and given me a fantastic opportunity. They made a lot of effort to get me to the club two years ago, and I had no hesitation in repaying that loyalty for the opportunity they have given to me.

"We've got a fantastic department, running very well at the moment anyway. But, obviously, the main priority was overseeing the senior department.

“But we've got fantastic coaches in Vince Bartram and Ryan Flood, who work underneath that, and it's making sure we try to have a conveyor belt of talent coming through that's ready to come and work with me and challenge to get into the first-team, and making sure they've got the resources to improve the work they are doing, which has obviously been of a very high standard already.”

Watson, who is also the England goalkeeping coach, added that he felt he and the club have been an excellent fit for each other.

Executive Director of Football Les Reed commented: "I am delighted that Dave has put pen to paper and it is another example of belief in the Southampton Way and commitment for the long-term.

“When Fraser Forster committed his future to the club, it was important to ensure Dave was secured.

“The relationship between the goalkeeping coach and his protégés is often underestimated. It makes sense to ensure there is stability and continuity in this department.

“Additionally, we have some very promising keepers in the Academy, and it is important we have the structure in place to ensure they can turn their potential into excellence."