Former Millwall boss Dennis Wise has completed his free transfer switch to Southampton.

The one-time England and Chelsea midfielder has agreed to join Saints on a playing basis after stepping down as Lions boss at the end of last season.

The 38-year-old passed a medical on Monday afternoon after agreeing personal terms with the club relegated on the final day of the Barclays Premiership season.

He began his career as an apprentice at Southampton before leaving and signing his first professional contract at Wimbledon, where he won the FA Cup in 1988.

Wise won 21 England caps and another FA Cup winner's medal at Chelsea, whom he also skippered to European Cup-Winners' Cup glory.

He spent a year and seven months as Millwall boss before resigning following chairman Theo Paphitis' exit and the appointment of Jeff Burnige as his replacement.

Wise has joined on a one-year contract, after Saints beat QPR to his signature.

Southampton boss Harry Redknapp said: "I am glad we have got him. He has plenty of experience and you cannot have too much of that at this level.

"He is a fighter and a winner and we need that kind of character in the squad."

Redknapp had pinpointed Wise as a priority signing as Saints look to climb out of the Championship at the first attempt.

"He can be a big influence for us on the pitch and although he is 38 he is still very fit and a terrific player," Redknapp told the club's official website.

It is widely expected that Lions rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward will take up a role at St Mary's after the ongoing tour of New Zealand.

Woodward is expected to have minimal input on the training pitch, but Saints chairman Rupert Lowe hinted that Wise may have a role to play, even though he has signed a purely playing contract.

"He is coming as a player but the fact he has been a manager means he could help in certain ways," said Lowe.

"He will be a leader and a strong voice in the dressing room and he will bring vast experience to the squad."