Solak at helm will 'benefit' Saints - analysis

Dragan Solak (right) has done his first sit-down interview with the BBC since buying a majority stake in Southampton back in 2022

After waiting three and a half years to have a proper sit down with Saints' owner, and now chairman, Dragan Solak, it was a relief and a pleasure to spend time with him.

I haven't met many billionaires (!) and so it was great that he was warm, affable and courteous. But he was also sharp and switched on, and there was a calm confidence that I'm guessing comes from being successful.

I can't imagine him suffering fools for long. But for the purposes of my interview he was all-in and had things to say.

Having taken on a more hands-on role during the disastrous season that's just unfolded for Saints, I can tell he is fully engaged in the club and putting things right.

I think Saints fans should be warmed by many things he said, especially ending speculation about his ownership and his belief that the club will get things right.

Sport Republic have made a number of mistakes during their first three and a half years in charge but many of those decisions were made while Solak was a "silent" owner.

Now he is very much at the helm and I think that can only benefit the club.

Click here to listen to the full interview with Southampton owner Dragan Solak.