MANAGER Russell Martin claimed most of his interactions with supporters have been "positive" in response to negative sentiment following a string of defeats.

Southampton had been in contention to achieve automatic promotion to the Premier League but must settle for playoff hopes after a dip in form.

Martin's side have only won four of their last 10 Championship fixtures and have now lost three games on the spin.

The club organised their end-of-season awards, alongside a lap of appreciation, after their final home game of the regular season against Stoke.

However, after losing 1-0 thanks to Tyrese Campbell's first-half strike, most fans had already vacated the stadium by the time the squad re-emerged.

"I don't think I expect everyone to stay in the rain after the last home game of the season," Martin said. "We had just lost 1-0.

"It had been a disappointing week, so I think that's only natural. By the time we come back here for the second playoff game, the atmosphere will be great.

"The supporters have made St Mary's a really tough place to come. I feel as disappointed and frustrated as anyone after the week we have had.

"I have to accept that disappointment and the expectations of this club."

Martin senses that Leeds United fans will have similar feelings as Saints supporters ahead of the final game of the season.

Daniel Farke's side were hammered 4-0 by relegation-threatened QPR, a result which left a major dent in their automatic promotion hopes.

Daily Echo: Southampton were 3-1 winners against Leeds earlier in the seasonSouthampton were 3-1 winners against Leeds earlier in the season (Image: Stuart Martin)

With Ipswich beating Coventry on Tuesday evening, Leeds will need to beat Southampton and hope all but relegated Huddersfield can beat the Tractor Boys.

"I was at that game (QPR vs Leeds)," Martin added. "I actually left a bit early to beat the traffic and avoid getting beaten up by some rival supporters.

"But I sense their fans felt very similar to how ours felt after the defeat to Stoke. When you manage a club like this, you have to accept those expectations.

"Anyone who I've spoken to and the majority of letters I've received have been positive. I'm really grateful, and as I've said, we are going to really need the fans.

"So however you feel, and the last week will have definitely made people feel differently about the season, unfortunately, we have the two biggest games of the season after we face Leeds.

"The trip to Leeds is going to be important, but after that, we will need everyone. The supporters are included in that."