Club legend Kelvin Davis offered new role at Southampton

Southampton have announced that club legend Kelvin Davis has been offered a new behind-the-scenes role after seeing his playing contract come to an end.

The 39-year-old joined the Saints in the summer of 2006 and has since played a key part in the south coast outfit's rise from League One to the Premier League.

"Kelvin has been instrumental in the club's success in recent years, playing a key part in what has been a special time for everyone involved," executive director of football Les Reed said. "He has set the perfect example since he arrived at the club 10 years ago.

"Kelvin's tremendous passion and commitment to the club are two of the reasons why we are currently in conversations with him about a new role moving forward, in which he can continue to help the club's progression."

Davis is one of three players to depart St Mary's Stadium, along with Uruguayan forward Gaston Ramirez and young goalkeeper Will Britt.

Ramirez spent three months on loan at Middlesbrough at the end of last season, scoring seven goals in 18 appearances for the club, and has since been linked with a return to the newly-promoted top-flight side.

Fellow outgoing player Britt suffered from injuries during this season, meanwhile, being restricted for playing time for the club's Under-21s side as a result.