ACCRINGTON Stanley have made their first signing since winning the League Two title, snapping up Southampton Under 23s defender Will Wood.

The 21-year-old has penned a one-year deal with the newly promoted Reds after coming to the end of his Saints contract.

Wood had been with Premier League Southampton from the age of 12, having previously had trials with Fulham and Chelsea.

He earned a place in the club's Academy after an initial six-week spell.

A versatile defender, Sussex-born Wood is an attack-minded left back but can also play at centre half.

Stanley boss John Coleman said: “Will is a defender who came to train with us in February and impressed us.

“He has come through a prestigious academy at Southampton and fits our criteria of a young, hungry player. We are delighted to sign him.”

Wood was fast-tracked a few times by Southampton, playing 18 times for the club's Under 21s in 2014/15 when he still qualified for the Under 18s.

More recently, he suffered a setback through injury in 2015/16 and was limited to nine appearances over the course of the campaign.

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