Southampton fans were left shocked by news that Armel Bella-Kotchap failed his Hoffenheim medical prior to sealing a deal, but Russell Martin has now eased fears.
Russell Martin has opened up on one of his best motivators ahead of his first foray into Premier League management with Southampton.
Paul Merson predicts a difficult start to Southampton’s return to the Premier League against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Russell Martin will know he needs all of his Southampton players to be at their best if the club is to survive their first season back in the Premier League.
Russell Martin will be desperate to bring in some attacking talent before the end of the transfer window to help bolster Southampton’s Premier League survival chances.
Russell Martin is keen to sign another holding midfielder for Southampton this summer despite the club securing the permanent arrival of Flynn Downes.
It is not just incomings that Russell Martin has to worry about at Southampton before the end of the transfer window but the potential of losing one of his key players too.
Russell Martin has provided the update Southampton fans have been waiting for on the pursuit of Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley.
Southampton thought they had resolved the future of Armel Bella-Kotchap with the player never likely to feature under Russell Martin this season.
Russell Martin knows he has his work cut out to keep Southampton in the Premier League this season following promotion.