#QueenElizabethII

SKIPPER James Ward-Prowse said Saints’ squad “totally respected and understood” the decision to postpone last Saturday’s scheduled home clash with Brentford – and sent his condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of the club. Football across the nation was paused over the weekend as a mark of respect to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away aged 96 last week. Ward-Prowse is set to lead out Saints on their return to action on Friday when they make the trip to Aston Villa in the top flight (8pm), where tributes are set to be paid to Her late Majesty. Asked how he and the squad felt about last weekend’s postponement, Ward-Prowse said: “I think the whole squad totally respected and understood the decision. “First and foremost, on behalf of the club, our condolences go to the Royal Family for their loss and I think for everybody’s loss. “It’s not been easy for everybody to take. Of course, we want to play football but often things are more important than playing football. “Somebody’s lost their mother and we have all lost somebody very, very special. To pay our respects in that way I think was a fitting tribute.” Saints’ trip to Villa is one of seven Premier League contests scheduled to go ahead this weekend, after an announcement by the Premier League on Monday. Looking at the chance to pay tribute as captain on what promises to be an emotional night at Villa Park, Ward-Prowse said: “I think it will be a special moment. “Although football fans didn’t get the opportunity last weekend to do it, it will be a really nice moment for everybody to come together and show our respects to Her Majesty.” Following the pause in fixtures, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men are 12th in the league table, with seven points from their opening six league encounters. A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo. Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website. You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more. Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today. Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook