SAINTS manager Russell Martin opened up on transfer struggles and “scar tissue” from last season’s relegation as he wrestles with an oversized squad.

The boss was introduced to his home supporters for the first time with a 3-2 defeat by Premier League AFC Bournemouth at St Mary’s on Tuesday night.

Shea Charles and Stuart Armstrong got on the scoresheet for Saints on a day when captain James Ward-Prowse and Romeo Lavia were the subject of transfer bids from top-flight clubs.

Although the skipper missed the match through a minor knock, Lavia played 45 minutes and was impressive on the ball for Martin’s side.

Speaking after the match, Martin elaborated on the transfer situation but admitted much of it is left in director of football Jason Wilcox’s hands.

“The transfer window should close before the start of the season – it’s ridiculous in my opinion and certainly not helpful,” he said.

“We’re a club that has been relegated and has a lot of talent that people are attracted to, but we’ll prepare as if they will be here because we have to.

“There’s no guarantee that anyone will leave, it’s a lot of work with 27 players or whatever but we’ll give everyone a chance to get on the pitch.”

Martin added: “I thought Romeo, considering what’s going on, to play tonight and do all that stuff, it was good for him to get on the pitch as he has not had the minutes other people have had.

“You can ask for an update but I can’t give you one because I don’t know. I’m going to speak to Jason (Wilcox) now but I’ve been preparing for this game. I’ll only ever be honest with you guys but I’m yet to find out.

“We had 20 players involved tonight, five lads training back at Staplewood and James Ward-Prowse and Juan Larios injured – it’s a big squad. It’s pretty obvious and natural that players will have to move on first.”

However, Martin insinuated that some players might have changed their minds about leaving having previously had their heart set on moves after working with the new boss’s staff for over four weeks.

“I spoke to most of them before coming here so I had an understanding, some of it ran deeper than others and were really hurt about what has been said about them, some of them were really hurt that they played so much and still got relegated,” Martin said.

“It is really personal stuff for some of them and really individual, I’ve been involved in it and it does take a toll on you. Especially if you really care, which the guys do.

“I’ve been really impressed with their mentality to work and we’ll be alright – we’ll have some brilliant moments this season and some tough moments as well, but we’ll be defined by how we react and stick to what we do.”