SAINTS B head coach Dave Horseman has opened up on his early encounters with new manager Nathan Jones, insisting: “There’s been a really nice relationship.”

The new boss was present as Horseman’s young side hammered Colchester United 7-1 in the Premier League Cup on Friday, after going one behind at St Mary’s.

Jones was also seen watching the under-18s during their 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in the week, demonstrating his keenness to monitor all aspects of the club.

Horseman has spoken with Jones and his B team players have also met the gaffer, with a few of them training with the first-team ahead of their warm-weather trip to Spain.

Read more: Horseman labels 'proud' Saints performance as 'years in the making'

“I met the new manager and he was absolutely brilliant with me and he met with the players and I thought he spoke brilliantly well,” Horseman told the Daily Echo.

Daily Echo: Saints B head coach Dave Horseman (Pic: Ricky Hart)

“All he asks us is that we produce players who are high-pressing, really fully committed and talented boys that want to defend the goal.

“Luckily enough, his philosophy, and I’m sure it’s a reason he has come to the club, really fits with what we want to do.

“Because of it, it feels really good that we can continue to work and hopefully provide players that can one day knock on his door.”

One of Horseman’s young stars could be the fourth academy player this season to be given their Saints debut, when the EFL Cup returns later this month.

Jimmy-Jay Morgan was given a berth on the bench by interim boss Ruben Selles for the penalty victory over Sheffield Wednesday in November.

His goalscoring form has done anything but slow with seven goals in three matches and could see him follow Diamond Edwards, Lewis Payne and Dom Ballard with first-team appearances.

Horseman continued: “The relationship and philosophy also gives every player a chance in the game, because what manager doesn’t want somebody that is relentless and runs.

“If they don’t make the grade here, we want players who can look back in 10 years and say ‘I’m glad I was at Southampton academy’. I think that’s what we’re going after, and we’re getting closer.

“It’s very early days so we’re still trying to work things out, but there’s been a really nice relationship early on and I’m sure that will keep developing.”

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