SAINTS manager Russell Martin detailed the story behind Aaron Ramsdale's Hagrid costume - joking that the deal to sign him was agreed then.

England goalkeeper Ramsdale, 26, was snapped in attendance wearing the Harry Potter-themed attire at last season's Championship play-off final.

The former AFC Bournemouth man is a close friend of then-Saints loanee David Brooks, who saw his stag do cancelled to face Leeds United.

Ramsdale then attended Southampton's celebration party after the match, dancing into the early hours at a London Hilton Hotel.  

"The deal was agreed then, at Wembley at the Hilton during the party," Martin quipped to the Daily Echo, asked about Ramsdale's surprise appearance. 

Manager Russell Martin hid behind sunglasses the day after the club's promotion partyManager Russell Martin hid behind sunglasses the day after the club's promotion party (Image: PA)

"It was actually a bit surreal to turn around and see him in his costume and realise it was him. I think he had a good night.

"He had a better night than most of our players, to be honest. They had to cancel Brooksy's stag do because of the play-off final, bless him.

"They used the Wembley play-off final as an opportunity to do that, and then Brooksy dislocated his shoulder so he didn't have much fun, he stayed in his kit all night.

"I'm pretty sure that when it's announced there will be all sorts of pictures of him in that costume and fair play to him for having a go."

Martin's assertion, made in the morning before Ramsdale's announcement, proved correct with the new signing donning a Hagrid costume for his picture.

It was not the same costume he wore at Wembley. We can only presume that one, which might have facilitated his next move, is kept in safe storage.

Saints negotiated a good deal for Ramsdale, paying a guaranteed £18million with a further £7million in add-ons and incentives.

The club pulled the trigger after agreeing the £15million sale of Argentine Charly Alcaraz, with management refusing to take a risk with PSR rules.

Asked if the club will be fit financially to compete next season whatever league they are in, Martin responded: "I think that's been a big part of the process.

"For the year, we have tried to bring the (financial) situation back to a place where everyone's a bit more comfortable. Getting promoted gave us a chance to do that.

"It was really really important for the football club. I think Phil's come out and said that to you guys, so it was huge for everyone.

"Now we have a chance to do things in a way that protects the club and helps the club not just in the short term but the medium to long term as well.

"I think that was really really important. When you're in the Premier League for a while, the threat of leaving the Premier League and being relegated is so big.

"You make decisions that you maybe wouldn't make before and maybe if you look back you wouldn't make again. I think that's learning for everyone.

"I would love us just to go and spend hundreds of millions of pounds on loads of different players but it's not the way to do it.

"I think having a really clear way of playing helps and a really clear plan with the owners about trying to buy players that are hungry and desperate to be here.

"But you can only do so many of those and you need some experienced guys like Adam Lallana and like Aaron Ramsdale to try and come and help them along.

"We'll be in a good place I think as a club. Now, we have to win games and make sure that we try and stay in the Premier League and then keep building again."