Southampton Q&A: Is Martin 'only concerned with his brand'

Throughout Tuesday, BBC Radio Solent's Southampton expert Adam Blackmore will be tackling your questions.

The first segment focuses on the future of manager Russell Martin.

Joel asked: Do you think Martin is doing more to promote his own brand and profile through his football philosophy, rather than changing his style and tactics to the betterment of the team, and more importantly the club?

Adam answered: It is an accusation I’ve heard and discussed, especially in relation to what happened at Burnley last season, but it’s not one I totally agree with.

I think there is a nuance to it, which is this: Russell Martin is coaching football in the way he believes is best and Southampton FC’s owners employed him based on doing it that way in his previous roles.

Most managers stick to what they believe in and know best, but for some reason Russell is seen as more stubborn and more ideological than other managers. Again, that’s not something I totally agree with.

What I do think is that he needs to come up with solutions to help the team and not sacrifice that help for his own ends. Let’s be honest, we all forget that no manager’s reputation is enhanced by losing. They want to play through teams, but they too often do not pin sides inside their own half when they are doing it, like Manchester City do for example. That is because they are not always in a position to press them near their own penalty area to win it back.

Too often, Saints are the victims of sides doing that to them, and Russell needs to finds a way to flip that. They were better in the Championship at playing forward earlier and longer at times, and I would like them to play the game higher up more often in possession by getting into the final third quicker.

Being brave can mean many things in football, and as a comparison to Saints, the managers at Aston Villa and Tottenham push their defences up very high and squeeze the game more. It is risky but it can create more turnovers and more attacking opportunities.

John asked: Hi Adam, what are your thoughts on the failure to replace Adams? He might not have been the most prolific striker, but his willingness to show for the ball and his ability to link the play made him a perfect fit for a Martin team. Archer has loads of potential but is a very different style of striker.

Adam answered: Totally agree John. I was gutted Saints messed that up to be honest. You’re right, he’s never been prolific, but he was absolutely a focal point for the team in possession, and better than anyone else in the current squad at holding the ball up, showing for it, and at playing round the corner to be used as a pivot to start attacks.

They miss that.

Archer has qualities and I wish players on the ball would play him in down the sides of defenders more and earlier to turn games around more. He is talented but needs to be more involved in matches than he has been so far.

Listen to live commentary of every Saints game on BBC Radio Solent, and download and subscribe to Goin' Home With Adam and Jo on BBC Sounds to get all the post-match thoughts that matter