SAINTS owner Dragan Solak says being involved with the club “is a dream”. 

In attendance at Saints’ end-of-season awards on Monday night, Solak - lead investor in Sport Republic who bought 80% of the shares in the club - was asked how his first few months of ownership have been.

“It started like a dream and it’s still a dream,” he answered. “I think all of us from Sport Republic really enjoy being associated with Southampton - the fanbase, the people in the club, the players, we have an absolutely superb ladies team.

"Both teams are bringing us a lot of joy and pleasure and excitement. So far really really happy to be here.”

On a night that honoured the best of both the men’s and women’s team seasons, Saints captain James Ward-Prowse scooped the bulk of the prizes in the men’s category, taking home Fans’ Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Goal of the Season for his stunning free-kick at Wolves.

Ward-Prowse has notched ten goals and eight assists in all competitions this season and was unanimously chosen by his peers for the Players’ Player gong. 

Tino Livramento was rewarded for his impressive breakthrough campaign with the President’s Choice Award while 17-year-old forward Dominic Ballard took home the Scholar of the Year prize.

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Saints Women have had a spectacular season, winning both the National League South and League Cup and with a number of impressive performers, Laura Rafferty was named Fans’ Player of the Season while Players’ Player of the Season went to Lucia Kendall.

The women’s goal of the season was won by goalkeeper Kayla Rendell for her dramatic late equaliser against Ipswich in the FA Cup.