Southampton boss Martin insists fans have been 'brilliant'

Saints take on a newly promoted side for the first time in the Premier League season when Kieran McKenna's Tractor Boys visit St Mary's.

Martin's side are without a point from their first outings, while Ipswich remain winless but have registered two draws in their last two matches. 

Saints were supported by more than 1,000 fans at Everton's Goodison Park in the Carabao Cup midweek and Martin credited their dedication. 

He told the Daily Echo: "I think the fans have been brilliant. The ones that travelled on Tuesday night to Everton and the cup.

Russell Martin's side are hunting their first Premier League point (Image: Southampton FC)

"The ones after the Man United game, where the majority stayed and clapped the team off and we're going to need that. The players need that.

"The relationship between them and the players last season was incredible with the way that grew and it seems to have stayed on course despite a tough start.

"We are going to need everyone. I don't think anyone thought this season was going to be easy and we knew there were going to be a few tough moments.

"We should have more points than we have. It's really that simple and I think a lot of people who have been to the games would probably understand that.

"They're seeing a team that's given everything they've got - which should be the thing they're really judged on all the time."

Martin continued: "The rest is on me. I'm asking them to play in certain ways but the players need the supporters.

Saints fans have sold out St Mary's for the first three home matches (Image: Stuart Martin)

"The supporters need the players to give them everything and I think they've given that so far. I feel like we just all need that first win.

"Everyone can then relax and actually enjoy themselves a bit so I want to put a performance in that the players enjoy being part of."

Saints were beaten in both matches against Ipswich last season, who went on to finish second in the division while Martin's side needed the play-offs.

McKenna was linked with moves to Premier League clubs over the summer, including Chelsea and Brighton, but extended his stay in Suffolk.

Martin is looking forward to reigniting his battle with the fellow 38 year old but admitted last season's encounters will have little bearing.

"They've got so many new players. We've got a fair few ourselves. Both me and Kieran have our own ways of seeing the game," Martin added.

"I'm sure he won't want to veer too far away from his and I don't from mine - but we both have to adapt and learn in the Premier League quickly.

"Does last season come into it? We've looked at the games we've played against them and looked at their approach to the game so far this season.

"I'm really excited about the game at home. We need to bring the energy we started the game with at the weekend and continue that.

"Then we can create real energy and atmosphere in the stadium as we did, but if we have a setback like we did on Saturday, respond to it in a much better way."