ACADEMY graduate Jake Vokins has thanked Saints staff for making him the man he is today following his exit from the club.

Vokins, 24, who had been at Southampton since the age of six, departed at the end of his contract this summer.

He has since gone on to join local National League side Eastleigh, penning a permanent contract after spending a short spell on loan at the Silverlake Stadium last season.

In a statement on social media, Vokins expressed his gratitude to Southampton, admitting there are "too many" people for him to thank individually.

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Vokins wrote: "After 18 years, my time at Southampton has come to an end. I joined Southampton as a 6 year old kid with a dream of playing football.

"I’ve experienced and learned so much during my time here and created memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.

"There are too many people to thank for all the help and love I’ve received over the years, from all the players I’ve shared the dressing room with, to all the staff behind the scenes who sacrificed a lot of time and effort to make me the man I am today."

Vokins made his senior Southampton debut in an EFL Cup defeat to Manchester United in October 2019.

He earned his first start in a 2-0 FA Cup win over Huddersfield. He marked that maiden start with a goal - Will Smallbone scored the other.

In total, Vokins made five senior appearances for Saints. He played the majority of his football with the under-21s and had spells away from the club on loan.