Southampton boss Martin responds openly to latest criticism

Owners Sport Republic set out their ambition to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking last summer.

It looks increasingly likely that Saints will have to achieve that aim through the lottery of Championship playoffs. 

Three matches without a win since the international break have left Martin's side 12 points adrift of the top two with two games in hand. 

Some sections of the support have called into question several of his tactical decisions - but one has come into focus more than others. 

That is the choice to play captain Jack Stephens alongside two other centre-backs, meaning a reshuffle of the backline. 

Across 22 league games unbeaten earlier this season, the vast majority of very few changes to the defence were caused by suspensions. 

Asked by the Daily Echo to explain why he has not reverted back to that settled defence, Martin responded: "People have to deserve to play.

Former Swansea City defender Ryan Manning has come out of the team (Image: Stuart Martin)

"You don't deserve to play just because you've been involved in a lot of games during that run. It's about the here and now.

"It's not about looking back. So much of football is people's careers getting based on what they've done previously. It is not about that.

"It's about what you're doing right now. How you are training? How you are mentally affecting the team and the character of the team?"

Martin continued: "I'd say we also had one of our best performances without that backline, against West Brom away.

"It was an incredible performance and it wasn't that back line, so it's not that simple. We have a lot of good players.

"You have to be ready and worthy to play on the team at all times."

Former Norwich City captain and Scotland international Martin, 38, is coming to the end of his fifth season as a manager. 

Relative to many other bosses in the English leagues, he is young - and was appointed by Saints to play a certain way. 

Martin believes he has made huge strides to pull together a broken squad, fractured from years of decay and ultimately relegation. 

He insists he does not see any criticism of his work, which has heightened following the recent trio of disappointing results. 

However, when Saints sign young players, they are allowed time to make mistakes - should managers be afforded the same treatment? 

"I am by the people that matter, the owners," Martin insisted. 

Russell Martin feels the support of those above him (Image: PA)

"If other people have different opinions, it's completely fine. That's the game. You're never going to please anyone.

"Everyone, I mean. I hope I please someone," he joked. "But you can't please everyone.

"Yes, I make mistakes all the time. I am pretty sure 60 year old managers make mistakes all the time, but I feel like I'm growing.

"I'm improving as a manager and as a leader in my time here. We have gone down a path and from where we were to where we are now is a huge difference in my opinion.

"Some of the players, what they're doing from where they were at the start of the season to where they are now.

"The club and the team have such a strong identity. I think the fans turn up and know what they're going to see. Some people won't enjoy it.

"Some people will. The style of play can be divisive, I understand that. But when it's in flow I don't think it can be divisive at all.

"I also think it's the best way for a club to be sustainable, to give young players time to improve and develop.

"Crucially, to win over a period of time. I don't know what's being said really as I'm not on social media.

"I presume I'm taking a lot of criticism for certain things and you expect to in this job. It's part of it and you have to take it.

"But I'm more critical of myself than anyone will ever be of me outside. That's why after Saturday, you watch the game back two or three times.

"You don't sleep very well, because I care, and I care about what direction we're going in. I'm not going to get everything right.

"But I can sleep at night sometimes because I know I'm giving everything I've got," Martin said.

Russell Martin is now targeting promotion through the playoffs (Image: PA)

"We challenge each other a lot, the coaching staff. We are really honest with each other in the same way we are with the players.

"All you can do is be all in and be yourself. I am bullish. I do defend my players. I do defend what we do because I really believe in it.

"I have conviction in what I do and ultimately I believe it will be successful. I think it will be successful here.

"We have really strong foundations now and we keep strengthening them. The most important people at any club are the supporters.

"But the most important people day to day are the people I work with," Martin admitted.

"It is how they feel about us and what we are doing, and I think they are all in with us. The minute that changes there will be a problem.

"But until then, I love what I do, I'm enjoying what I do and I enjoy the responsibility of it at a great club.

"It really isn't all doom and gloom. We are in a good position to get to the Premier League still which was and is the aim."