'Stay up' - Signing Taylor 'fully believes' Saints can survive in Premier League

SAINTS signing Charlie Taylor insists he "fully believes" the club can beat relegation on their return to the Premier League.

The 30 year old became Southampton's second summer signing this week, following the return of former midfielder Adam Lallana.

Taylor will offer competition to Ryan Manning with 161 matches of Premier League experience across a seven-season stint with Burnley.

The Clarets were relegated last campaign under Vincent Kompany so his St Mary's arrival marks an immediate return to the top flight.

Taylor believes his new side can stay there and said: "It's a young squad and a talented group of lads.

Charlie Taylor adds experience to the Saints squad this summer

"I have racked up quite a few games in the Premier League now so I hope I can bring that experience - it's not an easy league.

"Not by any stretch. If I can help in any way, especially with the younger lads by bringing experience, then I will.

"I probably learnt the most I had in a single season last year. The Premier League is probably the best league in the world.

"It's such a tough league with outstanding quality every week so I know how hard it is to be in that league and to stay up.

"I fully believe that we can survive this year with the squad and the management that we've got here.

"Before I was relegated, I had four or five good seasons in the Premier League but the last couple have been disappointing with relegation.

"I know what it takes to stay in this league and everything that comes with it, it's a horrible feeling going down but I fully believe here.

"With everything around the staff, the club and the city, there's no reason at all why this club can't stay up and progress even more."

Charlie Taylor could make his Saints debut at Newcastle on Saturday, August 17 (Image: PA)

Taylor added: "The Premier League is basically the be-all and end-all, everyone wants to be in it.

"We just need to keep picking up points, if we can do that at home and make St Mary's a fortress that will be important.

"We will look to build on whatever we can build on, we probably won't set any targets but just do as well as we can do."

Taylor won the league title when he played alongside new teammate Taylor Harwood-Bellis at Burnley during the 2022/23 Championship campaign.

The duo even operated as a centre-back pairing - displaying Taylor's versatility - and the Yorkshireman is excited to reunite.

He said: "I spoke to Taylor quite a bit as well and he had only good things to say and that was another reason I was so keen to come here."