Back to the Southampton Newsfeed

Adam Blackmore column: Why Southampton can't afford Russell Martin growing pains

Russell Martin and his Southampton team are having teething problems in the Championship.

After a very good start to life after relegation they have crashed heavily back to earth with three straight defeats, and cracks are showing.

Now those cracks may have always been there, but they've been exposed by Sunderland and Leicester like they weren't before, and - to a much lesser degree - by Ipswich.

Of course, some fans' faith in the Martin Way is starting to waver.

One thing is certain, Saints shouldn't have the worst defensive record in the division with the players they have, even with injuries.