SAINTS signing Ronnie Edwards labelled manager Russell Martin as "one of the biggest factors" for his decision to join the club.

Edwards, 21, has joined the group for their pre-season training camp in Girona, with two fixtures against French opposition to come.

The youngster took his first steps for Saints in their 7-1 win over Eastleigh on Friday, in the club's first friendly fixture of the summer.

Edwards came off after just 18 minutes in a precautionary substitution but has since trained every day in Spain and is in contention to start against Bordeaux. 

Speaking to the Daily Echo, the former Posh man explained: "I didn’t want to chance it so early on in pre-season.

Ronnie Edwards joined from Peterborough for £3millionRonnie Edwards joined from Peterborough for £3million (Image: Stuart Martin)

"It was good to wear the red and white stripes, it was really enjoyable. My first couple of weeks have been good, it’s come around so quickly.

"It’s 100 per cent hard work but what a place to do it. Knowing it’s such a big club, and everyone knows about the style of football.

"It was easy to come here over somewhere else I didn’t really know or where you don’t feel like the philosophy suits you."

Edwards added: "The manager was one of the biggest factors. The way he plays building from the back and him as a person.

"It’s a big part of me coming here. He’s a great manager. Hopefully, I can make a Premier League debut as soon as possible.

"I haven’t thought too much about it but I’ve set myself targets so I just need to meet those."

Saints take on Bordeaux on Wednesday, July 24, with a kick-off scheduled for 11am local time (10am UK), before playing Montpellier on Saturday, July 27. 

Southampton's Premier League season begins on Saturday, August 17, with a trip to Newcastle United (3pm).