Steve is a highly qualified UEFA Advanced licence coach and since leaving his post in the Navy earlier this year he has filled the position of Army FA Football Coaching and Development Officer. Steve comes to the job hoping to revive the fortunes of Southampton Saints who finished 8th in a league of 10 last season.

With the league continually improving and becoming more competitive every season, it promises to be a challenging role. "I am delighted to have been offered this job and cannot wait to get started in my first training session," he said.

"Southampton is a great club and they take women's football very seriously. I have met up with the team and all the people involved at the club and I am very impressed with the attitude and outlook. I am looking forward to coaching The Saints and helping to improve them as a team and hopefully next season we shall all see the benefits."

Sue Lopez, MBE, Head of Girl's & Women's Football at Southampton Saints said: " I am very excited at the prospect of seeing the improvements Steve is undoubtedly able to bring to the team. His qualifications are exemplary and his experience as the Army FA Football Coaching and Development Officer will have taught him a great deal which we now hope he will be able to pass on to the team to help them improve in both the short and long term.

"We are more than aware of how competitive the FA Women's Premier League is now getting and our position last year was testament to that, 8th out of 10 is not somewhere we wish to be again, that is one of the major reasons for bringing in such a highly qualified coach. I have previously worked with Steve on FA coach education courses and have been very impressed with what I have seen"

Rupert Lowe Southampton Chairman said. "Southampton are a club who are very keen to progress in the women's game and we believe by creating a successful first team this will encourage younger girls to come and join the club from an earlier age, therefore benefiting the club in the future. I know Steve is an expert coach and will provide the team with some invaluable knowledge."

Steve is not the only exciting new recruit to join Southampton Saints ranks this season. Sue Lopez was busy scouting during the close season and was delighted to sign two England Under-19 internationals, captain Jessica Wright and goalkeeper Toni-Anne Wayne together with Scottish Under-19 international, Holly Anderson.

Jessica is currently studying at the FA National Player Development Centre at Loughborough University and is to be joined there in September by Toni-Anne. Both players were also instrumental in helping England reach the semi finals of the UEFA Under-19 European Championships in Sweden last May.

Holly Anderson returns to Southampton after beginning her career at Southampton Football Club's centre of excellence. Holly now studies at Arsenal's residential academy and will remain to do so but shall play for The Saints.

Sue Lopez said of her new signings: "These are very exciting times for the club and we are delighted to have signed three proven youth internationals to join the rest of our squad. Combined with the recent arrival of Steve means season 2002-03 looks to be a very positive time for all involved at Southampton."

Steve's first league match in charge this season is likely to be against newly promoted Birmingham City at The Saint's new home ground at Winchester City FC on Sunday 8th September at 2pm - due to foreseen postponements because of England's involvement in the FIFA World Under-19 Championship in Canada next month. Southampton boasr England internationals Jessica Wright, Toni-Anne Wayne and midfielder's Shelley Cox and Corinne Yorston.