Remarkable 21-year record will give Southampton optimism ahead of Middlesbrough clash
After 20 days without a fixture, Southampton finally return to action as they welcome Middlesbrough to St Mary’s on Friday.
After 20 days without a fixture, Southampton finally return to action as they welcome Middlesbrough to St Mary’s on Friday.
Southampton’s plans in the summer transfer window will drastically change depending on whether they are promoted this season or not.
Southampton could look to explore the free agent market in a bid to improve their squad this summer.
When Southampton secured the signing of 17-year-old Thierry Small in 2021 it was viewed as a real coup for the club.
The good news for Russell Martin is that, should he steer Southampton to an instant return to the Premier League, this will secure the signing of Taylor Harwood-Bellis due to his loan deal including an obligation to buy contingent on promotion.
When Josh Sims raced the length of the pitch to provide the assist that sent Southampton to Wembley in 2017 it was widely assumed to be the start of a great career, not the pinnacle.
The 21-year-old only joined Southampton in January of last year, but was sent on loan to Italian giants Juventus in the winter transfer window.
With less than a quarter of the season remaining, it is very much the business end of the Championship season.
Russell Martin’s side have entered the final international break of this season fourth in the Championship with ten league games remaining and ground to make up on those above them.
Whilst Russell Martin is relatively new to management, having taken his first job in 2019, he has overseen some real talents in his time in charge of both MK Dons and Swansea City before taking over as Southampton boss in the summer.