Russell Martin admitted he was “overwhelmed by the love and assist” from Southampton, after guiding the Saints again into the Premier League.
Martin’s facet sealed their return to the highest flight on the first try, with Adam Armstrong’s strike sufficient to seal a 1-0 victory over Leeds United within the Championship play-off last at Wembley.
The previous Swansea Metropolis boss, who changed Ruben Selles at St Mary’s final June, secured his first promotion as a supervisor, having additionally finished so 5 occasions as a participant.
And Martin fought again tears as he mirrored on his achievement.
“I really feel actually emotional, I really feel overwhelmed by the love and assist I’ve had over the previous 9 or 10 months – particularly within the more durable occasions,” he informed Sky Sports activities. “The group have been so courageous, and I’m actually pleased with them.
“I’ve loved watching the group develop, and watching the gamers develop. I completely love that group of gamers. I’m so happy for them as a result of what we’ve requested them to do shouldn’t be simple.”
SAINTS are BACKpic.twitter.com/EY9IVAEfzP
— Southam(P)ton FC (@SouthamptonFC) Might 26, 2024
In the meantime, Southampton skipper Jack Stephens paid tribute to his team-mates, who gave him his “greatest feeling in soccer”.
“I’m so proud to be captain of this membership. I’m so pleased with the boys immediately, I believe they’ve been unbelievable,” the defender informed Sky Sports activities. “I believe we in all probability didn’t play our greatest sport immediately, however we confirmed a unique facet.
“Just a few individuals have doubted us over this season. Can we defend? Can we dig in? I believe we actually confirmed that immediately. The sensation I’ve bought now could be the perfect feeling I’ve ever had in soccer. Actually, I’m simply so emotional.”
Matchwinner Armstrong added: “I don’t know what to say. It’s what we’ve been working for all 12 months, we all know how good the Championship has been this 12 months.
“What a approach to go up! I noticed the area in behind [for the goal] and I knew if I put it throughout aim it was going to go in, so it was a pleasant one.
“It means every thing. The gaffer and his workers got here in in pre-season and put a marker down of what they wished to see, and have a look at this. Because of this we’re footballers, we need to be concerned within the largest video games, what a approach to win.”