Martin's message to Southampton fans who want him sacked

The fan base is split over their support for the 38 year old, who led Saints to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs last season.

Martin is still looking for his first win as a Premier League manager following a spectacular collapse in the 3-2 defeat at home to Leicester City.

The Saints hierarchy has reassured Martin - who was asked for his message to the split fans - of their support ahead of the daunting trip to Manchester City.

Martin told the Daily Echo: "I just think if you look back at the... I think whenever clubs change I'm just not sure how productive it is always.

Russell Martin celebrating promotion at Wembley Stadium in May

"Especially when you have a group of players that are trying so hard and are fighting for something and are giving everything.

"Maybe if the players are not giving everything they can it feels a bit different but the team is fighting for them, for the fans, for the club and the owners.

"We've drawn a line of sand trying to be the team we want to be in the Premier League - to not just try and hang on, to try and be the team we want to be.

"There would have been fans after the Stoke game and the end of the season that didn't think I was going to get the team promoted through the play-offs.

"Of course, things change quickly. My job is just to focus on what I can control which is how we train, how we work, the process we have and the rest honestly...

"I care about what the fans feel about their team and I want to win for them, they're the most important people at the club but I can't control it.

"They don't see the work we do, they don't see the care that goes into it so if they feel that way because of the results I understand.

"But ultimately, I can't let it really affect how I feel or how I work because then my life would be absolute chaos."

Saints bosses will continue to back Martin, who signed a contract extension to 2027 during the summer, while he has the support of the players.