Just four years ago, the 2003 FA Cup finalists were thrust into administration and teetering on the brink of bankruptcy.
In came the late Markus Liebherr to save the club and set off an incredible rise from the third tier to the Premier League.
Saints, unbeaten in their second season back in the top flight, have lofty ambitions and Europe has been mentioned as a goal for the not so distant future.
Such plans formed part of the exciting project sold to Fonte when he dropped down from Championship side Crystal Palace to join Saints in January 2010.
"This was 100 per cent what I was promised," he told Press Association Sport.
"I stepped down from the Championship, where I had offers from other clubs and there were rumours of something else.
"When I came here, it was always with the thought of playing in the Premier League.
"The chairman had a vision, had the resources and the ambition and it was an easy decision for me to come here.
"I am just pleased that I managed to step my game up a little bit. I feel comfortable now and I am just happy to be part of this club, this team and I hope we can keep moving forward.
Source: PA
Source: PA