MANAGER Russell Martin labelled the tribute to Saints fan Simon Oakley during his side's 1-0 victory over Bristol City as "a really nice moment."

Saints fan Oakley, 59, from International Way in Weston, suffered a spinal injury when he collapsed and fell on October 7 during the Rotherham fixture.

Supporters, players and coaches alerted the referee who paused play as CPR was administered to in the Itchen Stand.

Oakley died on November 13 at Southampton General Hospital, the opening of an inquest into his death was told.

St Mary's applauded as a tribute was displayed on the big screens in the 59th minute of Wednesday's match, which was the first home fixture since his passing. 

Martin told the Daily Echo: "I spoke to Phil (Parsons) and Jason (Wilcox) this week when they let me know and it was a bit of a shock as it was a little while ago.

"I'm really sad for his family and I am really sad for the people around when it happened and had to see that.

"I am really pleased we won and hopefully it gives the family some solace at a really tough time. To go to a football match and not wake up from that is really sad.

"It was a really nice moment in that minute for his family. I can only hope the result gave the family some light in a really tough time."

Daily Echo:

Staff and players of both sides also observed a minute's applause ahead of the match and wore black armbands following the passing of Terry Venables. 

Former England, Barcelona and Tottenham manager, Venables died last week at the age of 80 after a long illness.

Martin continued: "He was a legend of the game and well ahead of his time when you see what everyone has said about him.

"To go and manage Barcelona back then as an Englishman is amazing. He gave me some of my best memories of watching football with his England team. 

"It's a really sad loss for football and his family so to have moments for those two people tonight is really nice."