Southampton were in need of a reset following a bottom-place Premier League finish in 2023 which resulted in relegation to the second tier.
The club took a risk last summer as they made the decision to appoint 38-year-old Russell Martin as manager; backing the relatively inexperienced coach to implement his possession principles on a side that had been designed to counter-attack for four years prior.
It was always going to be a difficult task, but Martin managed to not only get the squad to carry out his ideology but earn promotion via the Championship play-offs in the process.
After the club got through three different managers in the 2022/23 season, stability is welcomed and with Martin it looks as though they have that.
Perhaps the former Swansea City manager’s biggest achievement has come off the pitch, though, and Southampton CEO Phil Parson’s latest comments certainly reflect this notion.
Phil Parsons’ comments on ‘fresh connection’ with Southampton fans
Parsons himself has only been in the CEO role at Southampton since last summer, his own appointment part of a huge backroom shake-up by owners Sport Republic.
The Saints chief wrote a message to fans in Wednesday’s Daily Echo in which he reflected on a season that he says filled him with “immense pride”.
He went on to add: “It’s been a transformative period for everyone. Witnessing a fresh connection with the club has been brilliant.
“While challenges were inevitable, your support played a crucial role in rebuilding the strong connection that suffered after relegation.
“Ending the season with a win at Wembley and returning to the Premier League was an unforgettable day for us all.”
Whilst having a winning team does of course help – with Southampton winning just two league games as they were relegated from the Premier League – Martin has undoubtedly played a huge part in shifting the perception of the team amongst the fanbase.
Russell Martin has mended Southampton relationship with fanbase
Southampton fans had endured watching their club steadily decline from the heights of the Europa League in 2016 to Premier League relegation fodder and were understandably frustrated.
A number of failures behind the scenes as well as on the pitch were responsible for the eventual relegation in 2023 and the atmosphere at St Mary’s had become incredibly toxic.
One of Martin’s toughest jobs was getting the fanbase back on side and it is for achieving that feat that he deserves enormous credit.
On the pitch, he has given supporters a team they can be proud of again and they can identify with the side’s clear philosophy.
Even if not every fan likes the possession-focused style, they know they can turn up each week and see a team they recognise as their own given Martin’s principles.
It is the work Martin has done to consciously get fans involved that has had the biggest impact, though.
Whilst a small gesture, the fact the manager goes to the Saints faithful at the end of every game, win, lose or draw and shows his appreciation for their support goes a long way.
He ensures his players do the same, too.
Fans have grown to love his three fist pumps following a win, with his honesty in interviews and constant mention of the importance of the fans helping repair the fractured relationship between the club and its supporters.
It will be tough in the Premier League, where wins will be more difficult to come by, but Martin will have the goodwill of the fanbase due to the work he has done this season.
