I THINK most people and supporters of Saints had their eye on the TV this week, to see if there would be any new arrivals and departures, as the transfer window was about to close.

Three players left, two for good and one on a year’s loan.

But the main arrival was one that nobody needed to ask questions about.

Theo Walcott started his career with us and had the record of being the youngest player to get in the first team, before he was even 17 years old.

He proved that the higher up in the teams he went, the better he played, because Arsenal came knocking on the door when he was 16.

It was hard for Theo to turn down Arsenal, and probably for the club as well eventually bringing in up to £12million for a teenager.

Since then, after a good period there and then going to Everton, he has picked up nearly 50 caps for England.

He is obviously so well thought of at Everton. They have a big squad and are doing so well but they have helped themselves and Theo, as well and Saints, by allowing him to come on loan for the rest of the season.

Theo, to me, will be as important to the manager in the dressing room as on the pitch.

The reason for that is there will be total respect for him, particularly from the youngsters, when they look at how his career has developed – especially when starting out at Southampton.

I think the manager will be delighted with this addition to his squad and it gives more competition for places, which is not a bad thing bearing in mind, after a bit of a dodgy start, we have won our past two league games. As I said before, they would not be easy with Burnley and West Brom.

Our next game will be the biggest test we have had so far against Chelsea away. They don’t mess around in the transfer market, probably paying out almost as much as anybody.

It’s never an easy fixture, they want to be the best club in the London area and also want to beat Liverpool to winning the league.

Players like Theo have been there, seen it and done it. Like everyone else, I can’t wait to get the international games out the way and see if Ralph can carry on with the wins.

  • Unfortunately, with the virus, which has been creeping into the game, I suppose we have to accept players are going all round the place – especially those with international team-mates.

Sadly, the main one in the Scotland squad was our own Stuart Armstrong who tested positive. While we are looking to see Theo start, I can’t see when Armstrong will be back.

  • Mentioning Everton of course, in connection with Theo, I am quite proud of myself as far as when I was asked to nominate who I thought would do well this season, Everton and Villa were my two to look out for.

Neither of them have lost a league game so far. While I think most people might expect it of Everton, Villa have surprised a few and full marks to both of their respective managers.

  • Talking about managers, I was pleased to see Chris Hughton appointed as the new boss at Nottingham Forest.

I always thought he did a good job at Brighton, bearing in mind they were one of the three Bs I always say in Bournemouth, Brighton and Burnley – to do well to hold their own in the top flight when they were all a part of it.

I could never work out the reason he was finished there. He is one to look out for, he will want to prove people wrong and Nottingham Forest, of course, will want to be back in the top flight from when Mr Clough was in charge.

  • Ambassador is not a word I have often used in our house but so far this season, I have been given that title with the Saints Foundation, the Saints football club and now the council have honoured me to become one of the ambassadors to help with the Southampton City of Culture bid.

I’m sure we can talk many times about why we should have it. My message would be to the whole community to rally round like we did after winning the cup, back the council, because if we are successful, the whole area will definitely benefit.