“I’m so happy for them because it wasn’t an exciting date. I finished 10th with Swansea!”
Those were the words of Russell Martin after leading Southampton to play-off glory at Wembley, validating the decision to hand him the job by the Saints hierarchy.
It was not an appointment that would inspire a besieged fan base after a dismal relegation to the Premier League. Let’s face it, he wasn’t exactly Vincent Kompany as a player and he hadn’t exactly experienced significant glory as a manager.
That said, Swansea, despite winning huge plaudits for their style, finished the maneuver in mid-table. His football might entertain but could it also win? That was the question.
Then there was the turbulent summer. Players left, including captain James Ward-Prowse – who even featured on the opening day of the season – while by Deadline Day there were question marks over the futures of several key players.
He started well enough, but a nightmare run in September had some observers wondering if the job was too much for him and if his philosophy wasn’t working.
Martin loves to pass, loves to control and loves to possess. It was his style that brought him to St Mary’s. And it was a style that was slow to gel.
Ironically it was a game against Leeds that saw it all click. A major win soon followed to end a devastating losing streak and an amazing unbeaten record.
From nowhere, the Saints were within touching distance of the automatics, once again involved in a battle for the ages as Leicester, Ipswich and Leeds sank.
A tally of 87 points would have been enough for automatic promotion in past years, but they fell short. It takes a serious operator to motivate a team to go for a playoff campaign again – and that’s what Martin showed he is.
At Wembley, he showed a new side to his abilities. Tactical flexibility.
Out the window went his possession-oriented style. He was replaced by a defensive masterclass out of possession to contain one of the most dangerous attacks ever seen in the Championship.
Martin is renowned for his love of possession and Southampton have averaged 66 per cent possession, more than any team in the top five leagues across Europe this season.
In fact, they have averaged less than 50 per cent possession just four times in games this season – three of those were against Leeds, including at Wembley where the Saints enjoyed just 42 per cent of the ball. Leeds may have had the ball but Southampton were in complete control of the football match.
Danie Farke’s side have been limited to less than 0.95 expected goals in seven of their 47 games this season – Southampton have managed it in all three of their games. They did the treble against Leeds, thanks in large part to Martin’s clever defensive set-up which gave Wilfried Gnonto, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter no room to manoeuvre.
Martin proved the difference at Wembley where it mattered most as his illustrious rivals in white faltered.
But that’s just Martin’s way. Underrated in the extreme. A leader of men in a quiet manner, who inspires leadership in his actions and intentions as much as in his words.
The unexciting date has turned out to be inspiring. And now he has the chance to show what he can do in the Premier League.
When are the 2024/25 Premier League fixtures announced?
The Premier League fixtures – all 380 – will be announced on 9 am on Tuesday 18 June.
Last year, Sky Sports confirmed his opening selections for the weekend for live coverage at the same time.
The dates and kick-off times of all Premier League matches are subject to change.