French-born of Nigerian descent, Lesley Ugochukwu was just one year into a seven year contract with Chelsea when he joined Saints on loan. The club was about to embark on a season in the Premier League having just won the play-off final against Leeds. Both he and the team struggled to start with, but as the season progressed, although the results remained dire, Lesley established himself in the team, playng as a holding defensive midfielder. Had Saints avoided the drop there would have been a good case for making the move permanent, especially as Chelsea were prepared to let him go permanently. In the end Burnley became his destination as he faced another season turning out for a team that were newly promoted.