Baird leaves for Fulham

Saints defender and player of the year has left Saints for Premiership football.

Baird who has recently been linked with a move to Sunderland preferred a move to London and has now signed for Fulham, which in return will see Saints receive about £3 million.

The Northern Island player has signed up with his ex-international boss. Fulham first showed interest for Baird when they put in a bid for the player worth £1 million. This was described, by Southampton, as not enough for youngster.

Since then different stories have been flung around saying that Baird will go to different clubs for different prices but now it is settled that Chris will be playing for Fulham next season.

Saints` manager George Burley had this to say on Baird leaving, ‘It is a huge disappointment to see Baird leave as since I have been in charge of the team he has done fantastic for us. Under other managers he has not got much first team football but since I have been here he has virtually played every game.`