Russell Martin admitted he was once “overwhelmed by the love and support” from Southampton, then guiding the Saints again into the Premier League.
Martin’s facet sealed their go back to the govern flying on the first effort, with Adam Armstrong’s clash plenty to seal a 1-0 victory over Leeds United within the Championship play-off ultimate at Wembley.
The previous Swansea Town boss, who changed Ruben Selles at St Mary’s ultimate June, attach his first promotion as a supervisor, having additionally accomplished so 5 occasions as a participant.
And Martin fought again tears as he mirrored on his success.
“I feel really emotional, I feel overwhelmed by the love and support I’ve had over the past nine or 10 months – especially in the tougher times,” he instructed Sky Sports activities. “The crew were so courageous, and I’m in reality happy with them.
“I’ve enjoyed watching the team grow, and watching the players grow. I absolutely love that group of players. I’m so pleased for them because what we’ve asked them to do is not easy.”
SAINTS are BACKpic.twitter.com/EY9IVAEfzP
— Southam(P)ton FC (@SouthamptonFC) Might 26, 2024
In the meantime, Southampton skipper Jack Stephens paid tribute to his team-mates, who gave him his “best feeling in football”.
“I’m so proud to be captain of this club. I’m so proud of the boys today, I think they’ve been unbelievable,” the defender instructed Sky Sports activities. “I believe we most likely didn’t play games our best possible sport nowadays, however we confirmed a special facet.
“A few people have doubted us over this season. Can we defend? Can we dig in? I think we really showed that today. The feeling I’ve got now is the best feeling I’ve ever had in football. Honestly, I’m just so emotional.”
Matchwinner Armstrong added: “I don’t know what to mention. It’s what we’ve been running for all moment, we know the way just right the Championship has been this moment.
“What a solution to exit up! I noticed the range in at the back of [for the goal] and I knew if I put it throughout purpose it was once moving to exit in, so it was once a pleasing one.
“It means everything. The gaffer and his staff came in in pre-season and put a marker down of what they wanted to see, and look at this. This is why we’re footballers, we want to be involved in the biggest games, what a way to win.”
