Manager Russell Martin is confident that Saints fans will create a “brilliant atmosphere” at St Mary’s for their match against Nottingham Forest this afternoon.
Southampton players are set to arrive at St Mary’s at 12:45, with the club urging fans not to bring any pyrotechnics. Supporters are encouraged to be in their seats by 2:45pm to give the team a hero’s welcome with a special display for the season’s first home game. As the players walk out to a sold-out crowd, fans will hold up the cards on their seats to create the display.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Manager Russell Martin expressed his hopes for the match: “I hope we see the same excitement as we got for the West Brom game and many games last season. I just hope they turn up feeling proud of the team that is representing them and that the team has given them everything. I think that’s all we can ever ask for. They give us everything they’ve got. We give them everything we’ve got. If we do that, we have a chance to enjoy lots of good moments together.”
This fixture marks the first time the new safe-standing Northam End will be in full voice after the stadium’s summer revamp. New fan zones will also be available for supporters to soak in the pre-match atmosphere as Premier League football returns to St Mary’s.
Discussing the impact of the Northam Wall, Martin said, “I think it will add a lot to us. Just having that whole stand behind the goal, I think it will give us a lot. It will make a big difference to the atmosphere. I think it’s a great idea. The players will appreciate it, and the fans will enjoy it. My son has been pestering me about a season ticket in there. He’s not going there yet, but maybe in a few months we’ll see. I think it will be great.”
Martin reminisced about his own experiences as a fan: “I grew up in Brighton watching the Albion at the Goldstone, trying to get on the news after games when they scored a goal in that end. Hopefully, we are there to create more memories and moments for the people standing there and the whole crowd. I’ve got no doubt it will be a brilliant atmosphere, but we have to bring the right energy, aggression, identity, and courage to the team for them to really bounce off.”