Exclusive: David Prutton makes Southampton, Cameron Archer “watch this space” claim | OneFootball

David Prutton told FLW that Cameron Archer can still come good for Southampton despite his tough first season at the club.

David Prutton believes that Cameron Archer can still come good at Southampton despite his tough first season at the club.

The 23-year-old joined Saints last summer in a £15m deal from Aston Villa, and it was seen as an exciting move by the south coast outfit given Archer’s potential.

However, like the rest of his teammates, the striker has struggled this season, and he has managed just two goals in 32 Premier League appearances.

Southampton set for crucial summer following relegation

Therefore, ahead of a massive summer for the club, there has been debate about Archer’s future.

It seems inevitable that the new manager will make changes to the squad, and it remains to be seen whether the former Middlesbrough loanee is part of the plans.

But, speaking exclusively to FLW, Prutton explained that Archer could still come good, as he backed him to deliver in the Championship for Southampton.

“Would you get £15m back for him? I genuinely don’t know. I think the general consensus with Southampton fans is that he hasn’t lived up to expectations, but with the caveat that he is a confidence player, and he is part of a team that has been devoid of it for much of the season given how brutal it has been.

“I do feel the right manager could get the best out of Archer. The fact they changed managers and it made absolutely no difference shows whoever was in charge, as in Ivan Juric, wasn’t the right man for the job.

“He’s one of many Southampton players who have got nowhere near the level in the Premier League, but is quite capable in the Championship. So, watch this space.”

Cameron Archer could be key to Southampton’s promotion chances

As Prutton suggests, it would make sense to keep Archer, especially as they may not recoup their money for the striker this summer.

If he does stay, there’s no reason why Archer couldn’t be a prolific goalscorer in the Championship.

He has shown his quality at this level with Preston and Middlesbrough in the past during two loan spells, and you would expect him to find the net regularly in this Saints side, which is very talented by Championship standards.

Ultimately, a lot will depend on the new manager, and it’s important that the club get that appointment finalised as quickly as possible.