Why Saints need not worry about Chamberlain

Having one of your hottest prospects pinched by a top club is not the ideal start to a new season. However, Saints need not worry about the loss of Alex Chamberlain as their Championship season gets into full swing.

Chamberlain did not feature in Southampton's impressive 3-1 win over Leeds at the weekend. With a minimum of £12 million paid for the teenager, Southampton will think they have got a fantastic deal for a player who has played just one season in League One - and only a handful of goals to show for it.

Steve de Ridder looks like a natural replacement for Chamberlain. WIth experience of playing in the top Dutch Eredivisie, the Belguian winger is quick, scores goals and is a great crosser of the ball. Guly do Prado looked a little off the pace against Leeds on the wing, but de Ridder looked extremely comfortable against Torquay last night.

With a solid central midfield, de Ridder could be the missing piece for Southampton as Jason Puncheon looks set to make his inevitable departure from St Mary's. If some of the £12 million paid to Southampton for Chamberlain is used to bring in new faces, Nigel Atkins can build a solid squad to compete in the Championship.

There are still 45 games to play in the tough league season, so it is important not to get carried away. However, for the first time in a long while - Southampton appear to have some belief and a team spirit, which will be key in the tougher times this season.