Russell Martin Reflects on Friendship with Gary O’Neil Ahead of Managerial Clash

Southampton manager Russell Martin expressed his belief that Gary O’Neil will be able to improve Wolves’ performance this season. Martin discussed his friendship with O’Neil, with whom he will face for the first time as a fellow manager on Saturday. Their connection dates back to their time as teammates at Norwich between 2014 and 2016. Martin stated, “We stayed in touch beyond [playing careers] when he was at Liverpool and Bournemouth and I was at MK Dons and Swansea.” He added that contact is less frequent now “because things get very busy.” Martin reflected on their playing days, stating, “We were probably two of the moaniest players in training and having an opinion on the game so it doesn’t surprise me that we have gone on to this side of it.” He continued, “We spent most of our time arguing on the pitch but we got on really well. We used to have a lot of conversations around football.” He attributed their current managerial roles partly to these extensive discussions, which occurred “when you are on the training ground, when you are playing and travelling or in hotels.” Martin humorously recalled how “I just used to feel for [former Norwich defender] Steven Whittaker, who would sit there and roll his eyes at us.” He concluded, “We’ve all got a different idea of the game but we all have clarity about what we want and part of that comes from them conversations.” Both managers are currently under pressure, with Southampton positioned 19th and Wolves 20th, making a positive outcome at Molineux crucial for both teams. Regardless of the match’s outcome, Martin expressed his conviction that O’Neil is destined for success in his managerial career. “I look forward to catching up with him,” Martin stated. He added, “I had a lot of time for him as a team-mate and as a person. I think he’s done a brilliant job and it was brilliant that he got the opportunity at Bournemouth as a young English coach.” Martin further praised O’Neil’s performance, noting, “He did great last season and I have no doubt that they will hit their stride this season because they have been unfortunate and had a really tough run of fixtures.” He concluded by saying, “I look forward to catching up with him after the match – but for 90 minutes all of the friendship goes out of the window.”