Saints FC apologises to Bob Higgins' abuse victims

Southampton Football Club has released a new statement about the conviction of their former youth coach Bob Higgins on indecent assault charges against boys in his care.

Higgins was found guilty of 45 charges of indecent assault at Bournemouth Crown Court in May 2019. The offences were committed against teenage boys in the 1980s and 1990s.

The club says that the statement is the first part of its ongoing commitment to collaborate with the victims and survivors of abuse effectively.

It continues to say that:

'Where that is no longer possible we will make every effort to engage with their families should they wish to do so. It is important for the club to rebuild relationships with those who suffered abuse while under our care in the past. We realise that it will take a significant amount of time and consultation with the victims and survivors to start to rebuild these relationships. However, we hope that over time we will be able to provide the support, understanding and tangible action to help each of them.'

The football club's statement in full is below:

Bob Higgins will be sentenced at a later date.There is more about the case in our report below.