A Saints fan has celebrated the team’s promotion to the Premier League by getting a tattoo of first team manager Russell Martin on his leg.

Mitchell Symonds, 22, of the New Forest, followed through on his promise to get inked if Saints won the Championship playoff final match against Leeds United in May.

Saints beat Leeds 1-0 at Wembley to secure their return to the Premier League after a year out.

Speaking to the Echo, Mitchell said: “When we were playing against West Bromwich Albion in the semi-final I was away on holiday with my girlfriend.

“We were sat in an Irish bar in Rome and all of a sudden, I thought I’d float the idea on social media and got a lot of positive feedback.

“I then told my girlfriend and she said, ‘no you won’t,’ but I wanted to mark the promotion in some way.”

Mitchell's tattoo of Russell Martin (Image: Mitchell Symonds)

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A little over a week later and Mitchell attended the playoff final at Wembley Stadium with his granddad Peter and sister Summa, who have held season tickets together for the past seven years, regularly watching the Saints home and away.

“I’ve been to some great games – we had a magical win against Inter Milan in the Europa League, beat Pompey 4-0 away, but the Leeds match is the best game I’ve ever been to,” he said.

“Only one man delivered it – and that was Russell Martin – he connected the club back with the fans after a few difficult years.”

Mitchell (left), with his grandad Peter (centre), and sister Summa (right)  (Image: Mitchell Symonds)

Keeping his promise, Mitchell went to Southside Ink Tattoo Studio in Bedford Place and had an image of Russell Martin - taken from a pin badge he was given - tattooed above his ankle.

Mitchell added: “It took about 30 minutes and I’m really pleased with how it looks, it’s quite unique and has a lot of detail.

“Last season’s promotion is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life, and I’m pleased to have marked it in some way.”

Mitchell's pin badge of Russell Martin (Image: Mitchell Symonds)

Mitchell already has an idea of what he would like to do next if Southampton have another successful season back in the Premier League.

He said: “I’d love to get his signature and then have that added beside the tattoo of him next season, but we’ll see what happens.

“I’m looking forward to next season and can’t wait to see the team play at St Mary’s.”