Southampton's Fraser explains why transfer 'had to be last-minute'

The 30 year old penned a two-year deal as a free agent at St Mary's on deadline day, having terminated his contract at Newcastle United.

The Daily Echo understands Fraser took a financial hit to release himself from his Magpies deal before taking a pay cut in his new Saints contract.

Fraser made 44 appearances on loan for Saints last season and was open about his desire to earn a permanent stay throughout. 

And after signing, Fraser said: "It was a tough summer but it was made easier by knowing it was always my intention to come back here.

Ryan Fraser tries on a kid's shirt at the promotion party (Image: Habibur Rahman)

"I was going nowhere else, it was here or nowhere. I made that decision from day one when I first came through these doors.

"It has been tough because we have had to wait until the last minute but for Southampton to get me on a free, it had to be done last minute.

"I was willing to do that, so I am delighted to be back. I have been paying £5 a month for something to watch all the friendlies.

"I am going to have to ask for my subscription back. I have been speaking to the gaffer all the time and have watched the first two league games as well." 

Fraser added: "It is like a family-run club when you meet everyone, you know you're going to be happy and that is so special.

"From day one, I was going nowhere else. Everything is done right at this club from top to bottom and everyone is on the same journey."

Saints manager Russell Martin had hoped to keep the core of his squad together after they overcame adversity to win promotion from the Championship.

Fraser became the third loanee to return, after the permanent signings of defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, 22, and Flynn Downes, 25.

Fraser boasts plenty of relationships within the group and even spent time away during the break with club top-scorer Adam Armstrong. 

Fraser revealed: "We went on holiday with each other, we played golf three times and I beat him three times.

"At the end of the holiday, I don't think he wanted me to sign because he would have to play me even more. I speak to him every day.

"We're quite close with him and his family but I speak to a lot of the lads, to be honest with you."

Fraser played no part in Newcastle's pre-season under Eddie Howe, his former AFC Bournemouth boss with whom he has a strained relationship. 

Fraser explained: "I have not trained with a team but I still have done my running. The international game has probably come at the right time for me.

"I will ask to play in any game that is available just to get 45 minutes or so in the legs. On the days off, I will come in and do extras to gain what I have missed.

"It won't take me long to get back up to fitness, it won't take me long because of all the experiences I have gained."