Executive Director of Football Les Reed says the club are looking at ways in which they can enjoy more success with the loan system.

Youngsters Lloyd Isgrove and Jason McCarthy were two players who enjoyed success out on loan in the Football League this season.

With Saints’ continued rise in the Premier League, more youngsters than in recent seasons went out on loan over the course of the campaign, and Reed says that will continue moving forward.

“It’s a consequence of success. When you strengthen the first-team squad and you’re competing at the top of the Premier League, it’s harder for players to actually get in the squad,” Reed told youtube.com/southamptonfc.

“What’s important at this stage of their development is games under their belt. It’s something we take very seriously.

“We haven’t loaned players out in the past because they’ve come completely through on the journey and got into the team.

“Secondly you have to be very careful about the loans you do, and we weren’t too happy with all the loans we did last season.

“I’m meeting with Championship and League 1 clubs who would like to develop partnerships with us. It’s not just about the Saturday, it’s about everything they do out on loan.”

And Reed says the club is even looking further afield for potential partnerships. “The other thing we might look at is working with a club in Europe,” he added.

“That’s so our players can get the benefit of the European type of experience. There is work being done on that front as well, to make sure the loans are meaningful and a stepping stone into our team.”