In May 1937, he was released and moved to the south coast to re-join his former manager, Tom Parker. At The Dell, he joined the Saints' training staff and took charge of the club's nursery side. Described as "tough as old nails" and "strong as an ox", he kept himself fit and was a regular member of the club's "A" team which played in the Hampshire League. On 27 December 1937, he was called into the first team, to play at centre forward as Ray Parkin, Benny Gaughran and Billy Dunn were all unavailable with injuries. The match at Swansea Town ended in a goalless draw.
