--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-11-06T02:10:32.464Z last_updated: 2026-11-05T14:38:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/southampton/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGFpbHllY2hvLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0LzI2NzAyNjA1Lm1hbm5pbmctc291dGhhbXB0b24tc3RhbmNlLWNsZWFyLXRhcmdldHMtbmV3LWRlYWwtcHJvbW90aW9uLz9yZWY9cnNz --- # Manning Southampton stance clear as he targets new deal and promotion | Daily Echo - **Source:** - **Published:** 5 Nov - **Club:** Southampton - **Original URL:** https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/26702605.manning-southampton-stance-clear-targets-new-deal-promotion/?ref=rss The 30 year old's current deal at St Mary's expires next summer, having spent over three years on the south coast, making 134 appearances. Manning has played more times for Saints than any other club during his career, with nine goals to show for it, including four direct free-kicks. Signed under Russell Martin in 2023, Manning won the Championship play-offs in his first season, and missed just three games since August 2025. His focus is on getting Tonda Eckert's side back into the Premier League at the earliest opportunity, but he is keen to extend his Saints stay. "I think the club probably know what my stance is. I want to stay here. I'm really enjoying my time here," Manning told the Daily Echo. Ryan Manning is a mainstay in the Saints squad (Image: Stuart Martin) "It's probably my favourite time in my career. I'm playing consistently. We're competing at the right end of the table, and it's a good group. "Players, staff and fans, I feel like everyone's aligned. You see that at St Mary's, but even on the road with the fans, like on Tuesday night. "I feel like we've built a good connection over the last year, especially, so, yes, I'm desperate to be part of it, and desperate to get promoted. "I'm desperate to have another crack in the Premier League. I feel like we've got a lot to try and put right, but here is definitely where I want to be." The Irishman added: "I made my 100th appearance against Leicester in February. Now, I just want to get as many as I can for this club. "It's an absolutely massive football club. I really want to be part of it, and hopefully we can keep turning out games this season and get promoted. "I'm settled here. I'm really enjoying my football, which is a massive part of it. I enjoy coming here every day as we've got a really good group of lads." As reported by the Daily Echo, Saints have opened talks with both Manning and Cam Bragg, who is also out of contract next summer. Understand Saints are keen to keep Ryan Manning and Cam Bragg, and conversations have started over extensions to their deals. Both players are currently out of contract next summer. Dragan Solak first hinted towards Manning’s desire to stay to me back in June. #SaintsFC — Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) October 30, 2026 Manning has to go down as one of the club's best value modern signings, having joined from Swansea City on a free transfer after relegation. Following a few seasons of expensive players failing to deliver in the shirt, the former Galway United and QPR prodigy is onto his fifth manager. "[Being value for money] is a nice thing," he admitted. "There was big change at the time I joined, having been in the Premier League for so long. "In that first season, I probably was not at my own standards. There was a bit of an adjustment, and I had a three or four-month-old at the time. "But, especially last season, I really enjoyed it and really feel at home, and I feel like we're in such a good place now. We're winning games. Saints are three points off the top two after 14 games of the season, while top-of-the-league Middlesbrough are four points ahead. However, Eckert's side would be in first place on goal difference if it were not for the minus four points they started the campaign with. "I think we have to be careful that we don't spend the whole season thinking we'd be if we didn't have the minus four," warned Manning. "We can appreciate the start we've had, the results we've had and how well we've performed, but it's also the reality of where we are. "We will make sure we don't become too complacent or think we're higher up the table than we actually are. We want to close that gap now. "Once we do that, we can sort of take it from there and be like, 'Right, we're in this position now, now we need to just crack on'. "I flicked between all the Championship games on TV this week because, obviously, you've got an interest, and it's going to be so tight." "Especially with the extra couple of play-off places, teams are right up there, and I feel like a lot have done a lot of good business this summer. "When teams around you and teams you're expecting to be up there with you this season drop points, it helps, but we're concentrating on ourselves. "We want to make sure we're putting in performances and climbing the table as best we can, then hopefully we can look over our shoulders."