Popular journalist Jim White has claimed that Southampton owners feel like Russell Martin has lost the trust of fans - The next few weeks will be crucial.
The festivities have begun but Southampton fans see themselves seeking joy in the season outside of football. As it stands, the Saints are bottom of the table and rather than changing with the times, Russell Martin is under fire for refusing to adapt his style.
There does not seem to be any pressure on Russell Martin from the Southampton owners. In fact, Martin has been given the all-clear to manage this weekend's game against Tottenham Hotspur.
How much longer Martin is in the hot-seat remains to be seen, especially as the owners appear to be waking up.
According to popular journalist Jim White, whose voice is recognised both for his work on Sky Sports Deadline Day and now the host of talkSPORT, the Southampton owners feel like Russell Martin has lost the trust of fans.
In his own words, White said: "The understanding at Southampton is there is a thought at the top of the club that Russell Martin is losing the trust of the fans."
Adding onto this, Jim White feels like the next couple of weeks could be telling at Southampton. It must be said that the Saints need to pick up at least a few more points before the end of the calendar year, if they are to stand any chance of staying up.
Concluding, White said: "But there is a feeling within the club that poor refereeing decisions haven't helped - everyone says that, don't they - but that the next couple of weeks could be telling."
Southampton are in the quarterfinal of the EFL Cup, which will be played in the middle of next week. This is positive, certainly, but they need to start putting some emphasis on the league if they want to avoid relegation.
As it stands, Southampton might match Derby County's record of being the worst team in Premier League history. It goes without saying that this is a record which Southampton do not want to hold.
If Southampton are to go back down to the Championship, which unfortunately feels inevitable, they should at least go down with a fight.
The fanbase is divided. Of course, there are those who respect Russell Martin for what he's achieved with the club so far. However, there is a growing section of the supporters who cannot envision anything changing in the league standings, given how stubborn Martin has been in recent weeks.
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