club in a 1–1 draw with Brentford on 22 August 2009. His second goal came on 12 December 2009 in a 3–0 win over Tranmere Rovers, and his third on 13 March 2010 in a 1–0 win over Leeds United. In March 2010 Harding played in the Football League Trophy Final at right-back in a 4–1 win over Carlisle United. Harding finished his first season at Southampton with forty-two appearances. In the 2010–11 season Harding retained his first team place, despite initially being dropped in favour of Ryan Dickson. Harding provided two assists later in the season: the first when he set up a goal for Rickie Lambert in a 4–1 win over Swindon Town on 26 February 2011; and the second when he set up a goal for Jonathan Forte to score his second of the game in a 3–2 win over Milton Keynes Dons on 2 April 2011. Harding helped the club secure promotion to The Championship after a two years absence. After making thirty-six appearances in the season he was named in the League One Team of the Year along with four teammates. His performances throughout the 2010–11 season were praised by Francis Benali. At the end of the season, Harding had an automatic one-year extension to his contract activated. In the 2011–12 season Harding was awarded a new three-year contract, and scored his first goal of the season in a 3–2 defeat at Leicester City on 27 August 2011. Throughout the 2011–12 season Harding shared the left back spot with Danny Fox, making twenty appearances. Following Southampton's promotion to the Premier League Harding's future at the club became more uncertain due to new signings. Nottingham Forest On 28 July 2012 Harding joined Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract, hoping to win over the hearts of fans as a left back. Harding made his debut in the opening game of the season at left-back in a 1–0 win over Bristol City. Harding assisted an own goal from Pablo Ibáñez, in a 2–2 draw against Birmingham City on 15 September 2012 and then provided another assist for Andy Reid in a 1–0 win over Peterborough United on 6 October 2012. Soon after, Harding suffered a hamstring injury. After making his return to the first team against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 24 November 2012, Harding managed to regain his left-back position before being injured against Bristol