Southampton captain James Ward-Prause has penned a Christmas Day message thanking the club’s fans for their endless support in 2021.
The 27-year-old has urged the saints to stay safe and enjoy the festivities after a difficult calendar year for the British public.
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Speaking ahead of Southampton’s Boxing Day clash at West Ham, the reported Newcastle target has admitted the results have been poor.
Ralph Hasenhuttle’s side finished in 15th place last season – the position the South Coast organization sits in.
Southampton have won just three of their 17 Premier League games – scoring just 16 times, losing on six occasions.
Although 2021 has been a good year for Ward-Prause, who became the club’s top earner in August after signing a new long-term deal.
Along with being named Southampton’s Player of the Season and Fans Footballer of the Year, the 27-year-old scored twice in five England caps.
The Academy graduate told the Daily Echo: “I think from our point of view it’s a big thank you for all your support.
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“It’s been a tough year and not only from a football standpoint, in terms of some of the results, but you’ve given us your continued support during really tough times.
“We’ve all had a really big assessment of what’s important to us as people over the years.
“We know that we are a big factor in people’s lives in terms of giving something back and completing their weeks with a good result on Saturday.
“That’s our main thing to make you happy.
“A big thank you to everyone, make sure you stay safe and enjoy Christmas and the new year.”
Ward-Prause will look to score his fourth top-flight goal of the campaign when the Saints travel to London Stadium on Boxing Day.
Southampton are targeting their first win after beating Aston Villa 1-0 at St Mary’s on 5 November.
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