Bree insists Southampton players want Martin to 'stick around'

Speculation around manager Martin's future has swirled in recent weeks due to Southampton's winless start to the Premier League season.

The recently promoted side have earned just one point from nine league games so far this season but Bree revealed Southampton's squad are still playing for him.

They secured their first home win of the season on Tuesday evening, thanks to Bree's late winner against Stoke City.

"I think every win is good for the gaffer," he explained. "We all love him in there. We want him to stick around because he does so much good stuff for us.

"We all love him for what he did for us last year, the way we play and how he is as a person. Hopefully, we can get a win for him on the weekend and settle all that down a little bit.

"It's massive for the boys. I think we've got a really, really good group. We're all very tight and close and good mates. We do try and stay as positive as possible.

"If we can get a couple of wins here for the fans and get a bit of confidence that will show that they can get behind you.

"I think it will be the start of something really great this season if we can do that. The next two games are massive at home.

"Hopefully we can put in a few performances and get the results that the fans deserve."

Bree has had to bide his time this season. Following a summer which saw Saints sign a new right-back and left-back, the 26 year old has fallen further down the pecking order.

It was not until last Saturday when Bree made his first league appearance of the campaign - his involvement up to then had been limited to cup action.

But the Wakefield-born defender has not lost sight of what he needs to do and even singled out a fellow full-back as proof that his chance will come.

"I think every player will tell you that they want to play every single minute of every single game, so when you're not playing, it is tough," Bree continued.

"We've got a big squad and we've got plenty of good full-backs that have been playing and performing well so far this season.

"I've just been patient and continued working as hard as possible on the pitch and obviously in training as well.

Southampton's James Bree celebrates scoring the winner against Stoke City. (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA) "I've been sparing my time and hopefully taking my opportunities as well as I can when they do come.

"I'd love to play every single game. It's frustrating when you're not playing, but I think the lads who are playing are doing well. I've got some good players in front of me.

"If you look at Rhino (Ryan Manning), he hadn't played in the cup or been in the squad at all, and then he got thrown in away at Arsenal, did really well and started again.

"I think all the boys look at that and think you've just got to take your chance whether that's in the cup, in games behind closed doors or in training every single day.

"Just getting the best out of yourself, I think all the boys are doing that - we've got a close group who work hard for each other, you've just got to be ready when the time comes."