Martin expresses gratitude for "amazing" Saints support
Russell Martin expressed his gratitude to the Southampton supporters for helping to raise vital funds at Sunday’s spectacular charity match, and for the warmth he still feels from the local community 16 months into his reign.
The manager was the pantomime villain as his Russell Martin XI of former teammates defeated a team of Saints legends on penalties after a thrilling 4-4 draw in 90 minutes.
But Martin was quick to point to the bigger picture, with proceeds divided between Saints Foundation, the ex-Saints association and the Russell Martin Foundation (RMF), as more than 7,000 fans turned out to show their support.
“All three charities benefit, and for us personally, RMF, so many people will benefit from that,” Martin said, speaking after the game.
“What we’ll be able to do from today’s funds is keep improving opportunities, which is the main aim for young people in and around the Sussex area, as the Saints Foundation do here in Hampshire, so some really brilliant causes and I’m really pleased so many people turned up, and I’m really grateful for that.
“It was a brilliant day, so many smiling faces in the crowd, on the pitch, and we’re raising money for really important causes.”
Martin had been feeling under the weather last week but played the first 60 minutes before spending the rest of the game posing for selfies and signing autographs as hundreds of Saints fans flocked to the front of the Itchen Stand to see him.
“I did it for the rest of the game on both sides and I tried to do everyone, so I’m sorry if I missed anyone,” he added. “I know what it’s like as a kid to be at these sorts of things and how much it means to people, and I’ll never lose sight of that fact.
“I’m really grateful for the support everyone’s given me since I’ve been here, and continues to actually, during a tough period for us results wise.
“Even during this break the number of supporters I’ve bumped into in Southampton, they’ve been amazing, so I’m really grateful for that.
“It was a great day actually, catching up with loads of old teammates, loads of Saints legends. I feared for us when we saw the team, but we actually stuck at it and did alright.
“I’m getting loads of stick in the dressing room about it being my first win in ages, so something to build on maybe.”
