AS the fourth official lifted his board to indicate Ryan Fraser’s day was done, tens of thousands of Southampton fans rose to their feet.

The player affectionately known as Wee Man was being applauded off as he made the long walk around the Wembley turf.

He clapped the fans in return and took the time to tap the badge - a footballer’s indication of affection towards their club. 

Thirty minutes later, Fraser was sprinting back towards those delirious supporters with the knowledge he had helped the club return to the Premier League.

For now, celebrating on the stage outside St Mary's on Monday afternoon remains his final action as a Southampton player.

However, the Daily Echo understands that Saints have already begun work on signing the Newcastle man ahead of next season.

A fee will need to be agreed with Eddie Howe’s side in order to secure the 30 year old’s return, given he still has a year on his contract.

Fraser is keen to stay on the South Coast, having spent the majority of the season trying to earn a permanent move. Martin is also eager to keep him.

When speaking with the Echo at the start of 2024, he admitted that his days at parent Newcastle United were numbered.

He said: "I think my time at Newcastle is done now. I don’t think you get put out on loan if there is a chance of you going back."

So long as the finances involved would not hinder Southampton's attempts to sign other players, a return feels like the optimal solution for all parties. 

Rightly or wrongly, Fraser arrived in August with the reputation of having a bad attitude. 

He had just spent several months in the wilderness after falling out of favour under Howe at Newcastle.

That public disagreement came three years after he opted against penning a short-term extension at former side AFC Bournemouth.

In doing so, he rejected the chance to play through Project Restart. Cherries were then relegated.

Given his track record, it was only natural for fans to be cautious of his arrival, especially given Saints were already well-stocked out wide.

Before the deal had been formally announced, Martin launched a defence over signing his former Scotland teammate.

"I’m really fortunate that I know him. If I thought his character would be a problem then he wouldn’t be here," the boss insisted.

Martin's words now ring true, especially with the added benefit of hindsight. 

Daily Echo: Ryan Fraser (left) is keen to stay at Saints after promotionRyan Fraser (left) is keen to stay at Saints after promotion (Image: PA)

Despite his arrival being shrouded by his previous controversies, Fraser quickly started to win the hearts of the St Mary's faithful.

From practically the moment he entered the field against QPR for his debut, his talent at Championship level presented itself. 

Much more than his goals (six) and assists (two), Fraser has endeared himself through his work ethic on the field and good-natured attitude. His late winners at Hull and Millwall have helped too.

The former Scotland international will often tirelessly sprint up and down the left wing without any fuss.

READ MORE: Fraser keen to coach - but jokes why his size means he could never be a manager

During a stretch of games when he wasn’t starting, despite his constant impact from the bench, Fraser insisted he was happy with his role. Don’t fix what isn't broken was his sentiment.

When speaking to the media he will often crack jokes, a small insight into his attitude away from football.

In one interview, he suggested that his height, five-foot-four, would prevent him from becoming a manager one day.

Fraser's personality is the sort you need to retain in the dressing room following promotion.

Martin has been applauded for creating an environment for the players to thrive and has credited Fraser with helping him do that.

Staying in the Premier League will be the aim next season. To do that, Southampton need players with top-flight know-how. 

Willing to play anywhere, Fraser is a malleable squad player. That coupled with his seven seasons of top-flight experience makes signing him permanently a no-brainer.