Dan Harding to Forest - Confirmed

**Chez** · 27-07-2012, 07:32 PM

perfect player for Forest. Give it a few months and they'll be singing the old Des Walker ditty to his name. Brilliant player for us, did a fantastic job. He'll be great for Forest. I wish him all the best. Onwards and upwards for us though.

**Dig Dig** · 27-07-2012, 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by RonManager

Rickies free kick was immense

**Saint Garrett** · 27-07-2012, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by Dig Dig

Rickies free kick was immense

Where has that capability gone? Lucky if he shoots these days !

**Dig Dig** · 27-07-2012, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by Saint Garrett

Where has that capability gone? Lucky if he shoots these days !

I know, it's annoying. I hate those silly little routines we do instead.

**Saint Garrett** · 27-07-2012, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by Dig Dig

I know, it's annoying. I hate those silly little routines we do instead.

Good if they work though!

Just be nice to see him have a shot every now and again. If you're a good free kick taker then you can do it at any level. No reason why wouldnt get a few if he shot. Not many keepers would have saved that one, was an absolute peach.

**Lazlo78** · 27-07-2012, 08:41 PM

Harding has been a super player for us. First sign(ing) of a new age, and he has been part of instilling a winning culture in this club in his own unspectacular way. As far as I remember, there has been no drama from Harding in his time here (bar fights, sulking over not being picked for matches, greedy agent constantly stirring up rumours etc.), only 100% commitment when he has been playing.

He deserves more playing time, and if we don't intend to use him, he should go to an ambitious champ club like Forest. If they set up a balanced team and he gets a fair chance, he could be quite a force for them...

In case he stays, I'm quite happy to have him as backup and as motivator in training etc

**Mowgli** · 27-07-2012, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by Lazlo78

Harding has been a super player for us. First sign(ing) of a new age, and he has been part of instilling a winning culture in this club in his own unspectacular way. As far as I remember, there has been no drama from Harding in his time here (bar fights, sulking over not being picked for matches, greedy agent constantly stirring up rumours etc.), only 100% commitment when he has been playing.

He deserves more playing time, and if we don't intend to use him, he should go to an ambitious champ club like Forest. If they set up a balanced team and he gets a fair chance, he could be quite a force for them...

In case he stays, I'm quite happy to have him as backup and as motivator in training etc

Well put. Post of the week IMO.

**corsacar saint** · 27-07-2012, 09:25 PM

Not good enough for the premier league,this would certainly benefit both clubs,if true.

**Bailey** · 28-07-2012, 12:20 AM

Harding was arguably one of our best players during his first season at the club. I seem to recall people on here saying that he was one of Pardew's best signings in terms of value, having joined on a free transfer.

Similarly, he was a good player for us in the Championship, and although the arrival of Fox pushed him further down in the pecking order, he always did a job for us and was solid, if unspectacular.

If Forest do sign him, they'll be getting a very good player for that level. I don't believe he's Premier League quality, but for where Forest are at this moment in time, they could do a lot worse.

If DH does leave, I'll wish him all the best. He's served Saints very well up to now, and I'm sure that'll continue at whatever club he ends up at next.

**John Smith** · 28-07-2012, 07:37 AM

If Dan Harding does leave, then I wish him all the best. In league 1 I was glad we had him. Scoring the winner against Leeds was a great highlight, and I'm sure it was for him also!. Fox replaced him for most of last season, but, whenever Dan was needed, left back or right back, he gave everything. I felt he got a hard time on here for being a decent, consistent , committed player. I wish all our players had his attitude, a top pro, a grafter and a reliable team player. He will be a good purchase for Notts Forest, good luck Dan, if true.

**saintmatt** · 28-07-2012, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by Lazlo78

Harding has been a super player for us. First sign(ing) of a new age, and he has been part of instilling a winning culture in this club in his own unspectacular way. As far as I remember, there has been no drama from Harding in his time here (bar fights, sulking over not being picked for matches, greedy agent constantly stirring up rumours etc.), only 100% commitment when he has been playing.

He deserves more playing time, and if we don't intend to use him, he should go to an ambitious champ club like Forest. If they set up a balanced team and he gets a fair chance, he could be quite a force for them...

In case he stays, I'm quite happy to have him as backup and as motivator in training etc

Totally agree, especially with the part I've boldified! Remember his debut and thinking he stood out because of his fantastic competitive streak, this was not something Saints fans had seen on the pitch for a fair while!

**Chez** · 28-07-2012, 08:04 AM

wish Fox had Harding's nastiness and willingness to do everything in his power to prevent the winger going past him, outpaced or otherwise. Also wish Fox could pass it 5 yards down the line to Lallana then overlap as Harding used to do.

**beatlesaint** · 28-07-2012, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by Chez

wish Fox had Harding's nastiness and willingness to do everything in his power to prevent the winger going past him, outpaced or otherwise. Also wish Fox could pass it 5 yards down the line to Lallana then overlap as Harding used to do.

If you could put the best bits of both together you would have one hell of a left back for sure.

**captainchris** · 28-07-2012, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by The9

No idea about the Harding rumour, the Dickson one was pretty well established from Twitter.

The Shaw fan club would have a field day - but we're clearly in the market for another left back with the Buttner interest, so I don't think it's that big a deal, worst case scenario we've got Fox who's played in the Prem recently and a highly rated full back, plus another month or so to sign someone else.

Sorry I know it's not fashionable to say this but I really do thing that Dan is better than Fox. Watch fox stand yards away from opponents wide player while he crosses- he never goes to close him and stop the cross coming in. He also rarely overlaps-cutting inside which often leaves AL removed from
the passage of play while Fox dithers around between penalty area and half way line looking to play it inside.
I know he has lots of fans on here but I'm not convinced at all and predict he will be a liability in the prem.

**beatlesaint** · 28-07-2012, 08:59 AM

Originally Posted by captainchris

Sorry I know it's not fashionable to say this but I really do thing that Dan is better than Fox. Watch fox stand yards away from opponents wide player while he crosses- he never goes to close him and stop the cross coming in. He also rarely overlaps-cutting inside which often leaves AL removed from
the passage of play while Fox dithers around between penalty area and half way line looking to play it inside.
I know he has lots of fans on here but I'm not convinced at all and predict he will be a liability in the prem.

You will be shot down for that. I tried to point out exactly what you have said about Fox last season and was told it was nonsense.
Still as the club seem to be actively pursuing another left back perhaps those that matter also have the same reservations.

**The Kraken** · 28-07-2012, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by beatlesaint

You will be shot down for that. I tried to point out exactly what you have said about Fox last season and was told it was nonsense.
Still as the club seem to be actively pursuing another left back perhaps those that matter also have the same reservations.

You won't get shot down at all. Fox is poor at defending, his crossing is excellent but he rarely beats a man or raids down the byline to do it, he predominantly crosses from deep in his half to Lambert at the back post. Not surprised at all that we're trying to replace him, there are plenty of others that I know who also think this.

**Saint Garrett** · 28-07-2012, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by The Kraken

You won't get shot down at all. Fox is poor at defending, his crossing is excellent but he rarely beats a man or raids down the byline to do it, he predominantly crosses from deep in his half to Lambert at the back post. Not surprised at all that we're trying to replace him, there are plenty of others that I know who also think this.

Despite this he's also twice the player Harding is. If we had Harding playing at LB last season, I would go as far as saying we probably wouldn't have been promoted.

**The Kraken** · 28-07-2012, 09:20 AM

Originally Posted by Saint Garrett

Despite this he's also twice the player Harding is. If we had Harding playing at LB last season, I would go as far as saying we probably wouldn't have been promoted.

I wasn't the one who mentioned Harding in relation to Fox. I don't rate him at upper Championship level, but he was exceptional at League 1 level for us. Good luck to him if he ends up at Forest, he was a good servant for us as one of Pardew's first signings.

**Stubby** · 28-07-2012, 09:41 AM

Maybe the coaches have been working with Fox during the summer to improve his defensive qualities?

**Nigel=God-Poyet=Sod** · 28-07-2012, 09:59 AM

Confirmed by the Forest owner on Twitter. Thanks Dan, good luck.

**S-Clarke** · 28-07-2012, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Nigel=God-Poyet=Sod

Confirmed by the Forest owner on Twitter. Thanks Dan, good luck.

True.

Fawaz AL Hasawi ‏@Fawaz_alhasawi Dan Harding has joined forest this morning from southampton .he is a 28 year old left sided defender.

Echo everyone else really, will always have fond memories and will always welcome him back to SMS. Played a big part in where we are today.

**itchen_dan** · 28-07-2012, 10:02 AM

Done Deal! http://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/pa...862933,00.html

Good luck Dan! Thanks for everything!!

**Saint Garrett** · 28-07-2012, 10:03 AM

Glad to hear he's gone, we've surpassed his ability, but thank him for the part he played. Hopefully it means we're on the verge of bringing in a new LB.

**S-Clarke** · 28-07-2012, 10:05 AM

Originally Posted by Saint Garrett

Glad to hear he's gone, we've surpassed his ability, but thank him for the part he played. Hopefully it means we're on the verge of bringing in a new LB.

Would imagine it does. Dickson isn't going to be anywhere near and will go as well I'd imagine.

Shaw is too young for this year to be serious competition. Might suggest there is some truth in the Buttner deal being on again as I can't see us letting this one happen without something on the verge our side.

**itchen_dan** · 28-07-2012, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by S-Clarke

Would imagine it does. Dickson isn't going to be anywhere near and will go as well I'd imagine.

Shaw is too young for this year to be serious competition. Might suggest there is some truth in the Buttner deal being on again as I can't see us letting this one happen without something on the verge our side.

Now Harding has been confirmed as gone I am inclined to believe this. As you said, it'd be too risky to have a 17 yr old as backup and Dickson has already been told he is out of the equation.

**raucebysaint** · 28-07-2012, 10:07 AM

Dan good luck for the future at Forest, great servant for the Saints, thank you..

**Saint Garrett** · 28-07-2012, 10:08 AM

They've only reached 3 pages on their forum....we're normally hitting 20+ before it's been announced !!

**sfc4prem** · 28-07-2012, 10:09 AM

Twinge of sadness to see the lad go. Always gave 100% and I loved his bursting runs all the way to the byline. One of the first signings under our new regime. All the best Dan, you were a great servant for us. Forest have got a good player.

**doddisalegend** · 28-07-2012, 10:13 AM

Cheers Dan - good luck at forest thanks for everything. Now we really need to get someone in to replace Fox. Dan fox as backup would be OK (I guess) but I really don't want him as first choice LB he will get creamed in the PL.

**Lets B Avenue** · 28-07-2012, 10:15 AM

Hope their BallBoys are thick-skinned.

**SuperSAINT** · 28-07-2012, 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by Bailey

Harding was arguably one of our best players during his first season at the club. I seem to recall people on here saying that he was one of Pardew's best signings in terms of value, having joined on a free transfer.

Similarly, he was a good player for us in the Championship, and although the arrival of Fox pushed him further down in the pecking order, he always did a job for us and was solid, if unspectacular.

If Forest do sign him, they'll be getting a very good player for that level. I don't believe he's Premier League quality, but for where Forest are at this moment in time, they could do a lot worse.

If DH does leave, I'll wish him all the best. He's served Saints very well up to now, and I'm sure that'll continue at whatever club he ends up at next.

Every word of this.

We'd really bodged our full back positions (Bale excluded) before Dan's arrival.

He was the 1st of the new wave of signings to help change us to have a winning mentality. I'll remember Dan really fondly.

Good luck at Forest, Dan.

**davefizzy14** · 28-07-2012, 10:25 AM

Good Luck Dan, thanks for all you did for us. First player bought in under the new regime and did a great job for us. Maybe that means the Buttner deal is back on.

**Nexstar** · 28-07-2012, 10:28 AM

Best of luck to him, was crucial in our promotion out of League 1 and always played his heart out.

DG · 28-07-2012, 10:40 AM

Thanks and good luck Dan.

**doubleonothing** · 28-07-2012, 10:40 AM

Southampton FC ‏@officialsaints

#SaintsFC can confirm that defender Dan Harding has today joined Championship side Nottingham Forest. More at http://www.saintsfc.co.uk shortly.

A player who came in and was actually meant to play at LB - made all the difference.

Good luck at Forrest Dan.

**SuperSAINT** · 28-07-2012, 10:43 AM

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsD...863631,00.html

**itchen_dan** · 28-07-2012, 10:43 AM

Nice little bit now on OS.

http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/page/NewsD...863631,00.html

Harding Heads Off

Saints can confirm that defender Dan Harding has today signed for npower Championship side Nottingham Forest.

The 28-year-old has penned a three-year contract with his new club and moves to the City Ground for an undisclosed fee.

Harding joined Saints in July 2009 when he became the first signing following the takeover of the Club by Markus Liebherr and Nicola Cortese.

The left-back went on to make 121 appearances during his time at St Mary's, scoring five times.

Saints would like to thank Dan for his dedicated service and wish him all the very best for the future.

**Whitey Grandad** · 28-07-2012, 10:45 AM

Good in L1 but somewhat out of his depth in the Championship. I shall always remember him for needlessly giving away that corner at Fratton Park but good luck to him and thanks for all the good times.

**VectisSaint** · 28-07-2012, 10:49 AM

Shame he's gone, but clearly the writing was on the wall, not likely to be 1st or 2nd choice, as we are still chasing LB. He is a better defender than Fox in my opinion, I think Fox may be No 2 this season once we get new man in. Always liked Harding, reminded me a lot of Nick Holmes. Good luck Dan.

**Miltonaggro** · 28-07-2012, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by VectisSaint

Shame he's gone, but clearly the writing was on the wall, not likely to be 1st or 2nd choice, as we are still chasing LB. He is a better defender than Fox in my opinion, I think Fox may be No 2 this season once we get new man in. Always liked Harding, reminded me a lot of Nick Holmes. Good luck Dan.

Agree with all of this. When he first signed after the crap we'd had to endure it was great to see a committed and able 'footballer' in the side. Good luck to him...

**austsaint** · 28-07-2012, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Whitey Grandad

Good in L1 but somewhat out of his depth in the Championship. I shall always remember him for needlessly giving away that corner at Fratton Park but good luck to him and thanks for all the good times.

Sums it up for me - committed but average player - hope he does well at Forest.

**Thedelldays** · 28-07-2012, 11:39 AM

never had a problem with him.
did well and helped us climb the leagues...

will get a cheer from me if we should he return

**Asaint4ever** · 28-07-2012, 11:40 AM

This is one signing I'm sad to see go! Always put 100% in for this club and he had some very good games for us. Maybe he's not good enough for the prem but still wanna wish him all the luck with Forrest, great bloke and player.

**Webby** · 28-07-2012, 11:40 AM

Best of luck Dan.

I feel that he has come in for some slightly unfair criticism on here. He's a good, solid player who gave everything when called upon. Fox isn't that much of an improvement IMO and his defensive positioning is suspect to say the least.

As has been said, there was never any drama from Dan, a player who just got on with it. Reminded me of nick Holmes in that sense; an unassuming player who gave everything to the cause.

Goodbye Dan.

P.s. at least he can still wear the new saints kit!

**LostBoys** · 28-07-2012, 11:41 AM

I would like to thank him for everything he did for us. You can question his ability at various league levels but never his commitment to us. Best of luck at Forest

**St.Patrik** · 28-07-2012, 11:41 AM

Mods - please make this a sticky - great servant to the club - no scandals, bar fights and complaints what so ever from mr.Harding - good luck in the Forest jersey now !!

**adriansfc** · 28-07-2012, 11:57 AM

Good luck to him. Superb League 1 player, average Championship. Harsh perhaps but it's been evident for a lot of his career. Good that he puts first team football ahead of hanging around a premier league club not playing though.

We'll definitely see a left back signed. If we end up with Olsson I'll be delighted with him and Fox as options. With Clyne and Richardson on the right it suddenly becomes one of our strongest areas.

**Saint J 77** · 28-07-2012, 12:04 PM

Originally Posted by LostBoys

I would like to thank him for everything he did for us. You can question his ability at various league levels but never his commitment to us. Best of luck at Forest

He was the first piece put in place to our recovery. Its a shame to see him go. He'll do a good Job for Forest. Perhaps it means we have someone lined up to replace him?

Good luck Dan, thanks for all you did for us!