MANAGER Russell Martin has urged supporters to help Saints over the line in their playoff semi-final against West Brom.

Southampton have encouraged fans to arrive at St Mary's early in order to greet the team's arrival with a wall of red and white.

Martin hopes that the "brilliant" Saints fans can make a difference as his side bid for a spot in the playoff final at Wembley.

A 0-0 draw in the first leg against the Baggies has left everything to play for on the South Coast on Friday evening.

Over 600 people sent the Daily Echo a message of support ahead of the crunch game, and Martin is expecting to see that level of support come kick-off.

 

Daily Echo: Russell Martin has praised Saints fansRussell Martin has praised Saints fans (Image: PA)

"The fans are the most important people at the club," he explained. "They will be here long beyond any of the players and myself.

"Tomorrow, they need to help the most important people tomorrow - the boys on the pitch. I've got no doubt they will.

"We've had some amazing moments here, some amazing feelings this season. The connection between the team and the supporters has grown so much. 

"It's something that I'm really grateful for and the players are really grateful for. I've got no doubt tomorrow that they will bring a lot of energy.

"The team also have to bring a lot of energy to make sure that they give them something to cheer about and get behind. As I have said all season, we need to make them proud of the team on the pitch."

There was very little that separated the two sides last Sunday. Alex McCarthy and Alex Palmer both produced top saves to prevent the only real chances on goal.

Southampton have trained twice at St Mary's in the week leading up to the second leg against Carlos Corberan's Baggies.

"I don't know what to expect. I have no expectations apart from that the players need to run as hard as they possibly can, to fight as hard as they possibly can.

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"We have practiced and prepared for every situation and scenario that we can think of. But again, you can't really replicate an occasion like that.

"You can't replicate the emotion and feeling that comes with that. Of course, you prepare as best you possibly can."

He continued: "I don't like the word control. There's no pacing yourself in any game of football I don't think.

"Certain things will dictate how the game pans out and your performance, but when we've been at our best the team has come with energy and aggression from the very first minute.

"If that means we have to take five players off and bring five players on to finish the game because they are dead on their feet, it's the best way.

"So (they need to) run and be aggressive and as hard as you can. (We need to) attack the game with discipline and structure in our way but attack the game until you can't anymore and then your mate will come on and help finish the game off."