Tonda Eckert, Southampton’s manager, has defended Taylor Harwood-Bellis after leaving him out of the squad for their 3-1 Championship victory over Stoke City due to interest from Aston Villa.
Harwood-Bellis is a target for the Premier League club, with Eckert admitting the 24-year-old’s difficult situation as he weighs his options.
“He’s a 24-year-old man, and he has left absolutely everything here for this club in the last season,” Eckert stated.
“He loves this club, he loves his teammates, but you have an offer coming in.
“Obviously, you have some thoughts about how it is to play Champions League football, and if you find yourself in that position it’s not easy.”
Eckert stated that he made the decision to leave Harwood-Bellis out and refused to blame the defender.
“We’ve made that decision to put our full trust into the boys that were on the pitch in the end, and I think they have paid that back,” he said.
“I do not place any blame on him. Finally, it is always my decision, and I am really glad and thrilled for everyone who was on the pitch today.
“Every moment of the season presents new difficulties, and there is no dispute about Taylor’s ability as a player.
“I just believe that for every game, there is always a consideration of who is in the best condition to compete, and a player’s quality plays a role in that.
“But there’s also more to it than that, so for today that was the decision, and if you win, you’re always right.”
When asked if Southampton will attempt to replace Harwood-Bellis if he leaves before the September 1 deadline, Eckert responded, “Taylor is still a Southampton player.”
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