 His transfer to English first division club Southampton for a club record fee of £80,000 was shrouded in secrecy as manager Ted Bates moved swiftly to secure Steele's services from under the noses of many bigger clubs.He made his debut for Southampton on 29 January 1972 in a 4-1 victory at home over Nottingham Forest.He had an aggressive, no holds barred attitude which soon made him a favourite with Saints' fans but often got him into trouble with referees.