SAINTS manager Russell Martin believes he has the confidence of the club’s management as they continue their journey.
Last summer, owners Sport Republic announced their intention to earn promotion back to the Premier League at the earliest opportunity.
It becomes increasingly likely that the Saints will have to accomplish that goal through the lottery of Championship playoffs.
Three games without a win since the international break have left Martin’s team 12 points behind the top two, with two games in hand.
Some supporters have questioned numerous of his tactical decisions, but one has received more attention than others.
That decision to put captain Jack Stephens alongside two other centre-backs necessitates a rearrangement of the backline.
Across 22 league games unbeaten earlier this season, suspensions accounted for the great majority of the defense’s limited adjustments.
When asked by the Daily Echo why he has not reverted to that stable defence, Martin replied: “People must deserve to play.
“You don’t entitled to play just because you’ve participated in a lot of games throughout that period. It all revolves around the present moment.
“It is not about looking back. People’s careers in football are heavily influenced by what they have done in the past. It’s not about that.
“It is about what you are doing today. How are you training? How are you influencing the team’s mentality and character?”
Martin went on to explain, “We had one of our best games without that backline against West Brom away.
“It was a tremendous performance, but it wasn’t from that back line, so it’s not that straightforward. We have a lot of talented players.
“You have to be ready and worthy to play on the team at all times.”
Martin, 38, a former Norwich City captain and Scotland international, is nearing the end of his fifth managerial season.
He is young in comparison to many other English league managers, and Saints hired him to play a specific style.
Martin believes he has made significant progress in reassembling a splintered squad that has suffered from years of degradation and, eventually, relegation.
He argues that he does not notice any criticism of his job, which has increased in the wake of three unsatisfactory results.
However, when the Saints acquire young players, they are given time to make mistakes; should managers receive the same treatment?
“I am with the people that matter, the owners,” Martin insisted.
“It’s fine if other people disagree with you. That is the game. You’ll never please anyone.
“Everybody, I mean. “I hope I’ve pleased someone,” he joked. “But you cannot please everyone.
“Yes, I make mistakes all of the time.” I’m very confident 60-year-old managers make mistakes all the time, but I believe I’m improving.
“I’m growing as a manager and a leader during my time here. We’ve gone down a route, and there’s a big difference between where we were and where we are now, in my opinion.
“Some of the players’ progress from where they were at the beginning of the season to where they are now.
The club and team have a strong identity. I believe the supporters come prepared for what they will witness. Some folks will not like it.
“Some individuals will. I realise how the style of play can be polarising. But when it’s flowing, I don’t see how it could be contentious.
“I also believe that giving young players time to improve and develop is the greatest way for a team to be sustainable.
“Most importantly, to win over time. I’m not sure what’s being said because I’m not on social media.
“I assume I’m taking a lot of criticism for some things, as you should in this job. It’s part of it, and you have to accept it.
“But I am more critical of myself than anyone else will be of me. That’s why, following Saturday, you watch the game twice or three times.
You don’t sleep well because I care about the way we’re going. I’m not going to get everything correct.
“But I can sleep at night sometimes because I know I’m giving everything I’ve got,” Martin went on to say.
The coaching staff frequently challenges one another. We are as open and honest with each other as we are with the players.
“All you can do is fully commit and be yourself. I am optimistic. I defend my players. I defend what we do because I genuinely believe in it.
“I am confident in my work, and I feel it will be successful in the end. I believe it will be successful here.
“We now have very strong foundations, and we are constantly strengthening them. The most essential people in any club are its supporters.
“But the most important people day to day are the people I work with,” he said.
It’s how they feel about us and what we’re doing, and I believe they all agree with us. The minute that changes, there will be an issue.
“But until then, I enjoy what I do and the responsibility that comes with it at a fantastic club.
“It’s not all doom and gloom.” We are still in an excellent position to qualify for the Premier League, which was and continues to be our goal.”
