PAUL WOTTON has got the security of a three-year contract,

and a pay rise, after signing for Southampton.

The former Plymouth Argyle captain, released by manager Paul

Sturrock in April, completed his move to their Championship

rivals yesterday.

Wotton had offers from several Championship and League One

clubs but eventually opted for Southampton.

The 30-year-old will meet up with his new team-mates for the

first time when they start pre-season training next Monday.

Wotton told Herald Sport: “I never doubted my ability to get

a good club. I'm really excited about this new challenge.

“I had known about Southampton's interest in me for about 10

days.

“I had talks with the chairman (Rupert Lowe) on Monday and

then sailed through the medical yesterday.

“Once I went there for talks it all happened really

quickly.”

Wotton could have chosen to stay in the Championship with

Blackpool, who were ready to give him a three-year

contract.

So, too, were League One club Huddersfield, whose new boss

Stan Ternent was very keen to recruit the combative

midfielder.

Huddersfield, bolstered by selling more than 16,000

cut-price season tickets, are thought to have made Wotton a

lucrative offer.

Newly-promoted Championship clubs Swansea City and

Nottingham Forest also showed an interest in the former

Pilgrims' skipper.

Wotton said: “I had lots and lots of interest, which was

flattering. It's always nice to be wanted.

“There were a couple of other Championship clubs and four or

five in League One.”

In the end, though, Wotton chose to continue his career at

St Mary's Stadium.

He said: “Southampton are a massive club who under-achieved

last season. The training ground and the stadium are different

class.

“I have spoken to the new manager (former Holland

international defender Jan Poortvliet) who wants me to bring an

English mentality to the dressing room.

“Southampton is also a great place to bring up a family.

That was as important to me as the football side. I envisage my

wife and two kids being very happy there.”

Wotton returned to first-team action with Argyle in February

after a 15-month absence following a cruciate knee ligament

injury.

His medical examination at Southampton showed the knee had

fully recovered.

Wotton will return to Home Park for the first time with his

new club on Boxing Day. But before that, Argyle will take on

Southampton at St Mary's Stadium on Tuesday, November 25.

Wotton admitted: “I would be lying if I said I hadn't

thought about playing at Home Park on Boxing Day.

“But it's the old cliche I'm afraid – I will cross that

bridge when it comes. At least it means the kids can see their

grandparents on Christmas Day!”

And, as for playing in Southampton's home kit of red and

white stripes – the same colours as Argyle's long-time rivals

Exeter City, he replied: “I hadn't even thought about

that.”

Poortvliet's Dutch assistant Mark Wotte believes Wotton is

an important addition to the Southampton squad.

Several experienced players have already departed St Mary's

Stadium, or are about to leave the cash-strapped club.

Wotton's leadership qualities will be invaluable as

Southampton rely heavily on talented but largely untested

academy graduates this season.

Wotte said: “Paul Wotton is an experienced player,

especially at Championship level. He's a very responsible

player, both on and off the field.

“He's a strong character and a leader. He was Plymouth's

captain and we need experienced players to help guide our

youngsters.”

Sturrock, meanwhile, has wished Wotton well at Southampton –

the club he briefly managed in 2004.

“I'm very pleased for him,” said Sturrock. “Southampton is

not that far away so he will not have to uproot

dramatically.

“He wanted to stay in the Championship and I'm sure he will

be a success for them.”