A diehard Saints fan has travelled 6,000 miles to watch Russell Martin's men play at Wembley.

Software engineer Sunny Chan left Hong Kong on Friday for a gruelling 12-hour flight to London Heathrow.

He is among the 36,900 supporters who have secured tickets to watch Saints take on Leeds at the crunch Championship play-off final on Sunday.

Many are travelling hundreds of miles - but 47-year-old Sunny said he decided he had to make what could be the longest journey so he could be 'cheering and making some noise' for the team.

He told the Daily Echo: "We don't get to play in Wembley all that often and the play-off finals will be the biggest game there is for us for a long time and I decided I have to be there cheering and making some noise for the team.

"Football is very popular in Hong Kong and most people there support the top team.

"But having been living in Southampton and experiencing the atmosphere in St Mary's and the tenacity and the spirit of the club, it makes me a lifelong supporter."

Sunny knew he was a lifelong Saints supporter from his first game at St Mary's - the 4-0 demolition of Spurs under Gordon Strachan's watch in the fourth round of the 2003 FA Cup.

The Hong Konger was living in the UK studying, then got a job near Southampton and was living in Shirley. It was then he started following Saints.

READ MORE: Every word Southampton's Martin said ahead of playoff final vs Leeds

"My first game in the stadium was the 2003 FA Cup 4th Round when we beat Spurs 4-0 and I knew 'I am going to be a Saint'," he said.

"I moved back to Hong Kong about 10 years ago but I keep up with the team and when I have the chance I would go and see a game in St Mary's once or twice a year.

"There are plenty of Southampton supporters in Hong Kong and we have our own WhatsApp group and organise meet-ups.

"Obviously I have been through both the relegation and it was heartbreaking but Southampton always manage to pick themselves up."

Sunny told the Echo he expects Saints to win - but only after a nailbiting 90 minutes with extra time.

He said "I think it will be a 3-3 draw after extra time and we will beat them in penalties.

"Leeds is a tough opponent but I think Saints will get there."