Eric Black will take a crucial role in Claude Puel's new-look team at Southampton.

Having spent five seasons with Metz in France, he is fluent in French and thus the perfect language intermediary for Puel and first team coach Pascal Plancque.

The 52-year-old undertook a similar role with Remi Garde at Aston Villa last season and took charge of a sinking ship when Garde was sacked – he then departed the Championship side when Roberto di Matteo was hired as manager recently.

“Eric Black has an excellent pedigree as a coach and vast experience domestically and internationally," Saints' executive director of football Les Reed explained.

“Pascal Plancque has an excellent record as a technical coach and, like Claude, has been responsible for developing many young French talents into top quality players."