after the end of the 1932–33 season, southampton manager george kay sold several players. in may, amateur forward bill charlton joined divisional rivals fulham, while former cottagers left-back arthur tilford returned to the club after three months at the south coast side. frank osborne also left the saints after a season playing for the reserve side, retiring from football until returning as a director at fulham a few years later. backup goalkeeper bob foster joined third division north side wrexham in june, while outside-left jimmy harris was sold to aylesford paper mills. the club also signed several new players. in june, versatile forward fred tully joined from top-flight side aston villa, and in august half-back johnny mcilwaine returned after a year at welsh side llanelli. during the summer, the club also signed winger norman catlin from arsenal, full-back frank ward from preston north end, and inside-forward ted withers from clark's college, all on amateur terms initially.