MANAGER Russell Martin does not think Saints will hold a "fire sale" if they miss out on promotion - but insisted he cannot make promises.

The St Mary's side must navigate the playoffs to achieve promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

If they fail to win promotion, Saints will be required to sell players this summer to make up for the reduced revenue playing in the Championship.

Ahead of the first leg of their playoff semi-final against West Brom, Martin explained how important promotion is for the club's finances. 

"What it means to this club is really obvious in terms of the financial implications," the boss said.

"It will give people inside the building some security and it will match the owners' ambition. Everyone's really clear on that.

"I also think that for the players it's about how much being back in the Premier League can impact their lives.”

Daily Echo: Che Adams' contract expires at the end of this season Che Adams' contract expires at the end of this season (Image: Stuart Martin)

Martin continued: "A lot of the guys come from working-class families.

"It can not only have an impact on the people here, but then it spreads, they are aware of that.”

Southampton face West Brom at the Hawthorns on Sunday before welcoming them to St Mary's for the second leg next Friday.

Martin added: “We have a game to get through on Sunday first and then another one after that to get to the big one.

"I don't think they'll need to be reminded of the importance of anything this week, the really important stuff is to not get overtaken by the occasion. 

"We need to make sure we do the things that are fundamental and important for us, to perform and to win. The rest will take care of itself."

Martin has already confessed that Saints will struggle to keep Kyle Walker-Peters if they do not get promoted this year.

For some players, the playoffs are a chance to play for their future, with success potentially being the deciding factor behind whether they stay or leave this summer.

"The guys have to play under pressure for 40 weeks during the season," Martin continued when asked about the situation.

Daily Echo: Kyle Walker-Peters is reportedly the subject of Premier League interest Kyle Walker-Peters is reportedly the subject of Premier League interest (Image: Southampton FC)

"They've all played in big games internationally, in the Premier League or this season when there's been a tough moment.

"We've had to get through those and suffer together. They've dealt with it brilliantly and hopefully, that's because they can be themselves and be honest with each other.

"Last summer was difficult. We had players here who thought they weren't going to be. 

"I don't think there's going to be a fire sale if we don't go up. The owners are not going to be desperate to sell players.

"I think Kyle has done very well this season. There are a lot of players in there that have done very well.

"We have some loan players in there that we will find it very hard to keep if we don't get promoted.

"The motivation for me is to keep the group together for as long as possible. To do that we need to get to the Premier League. 

"Even if that happens we might have some interest in players where they have to go because it's good business for the club and good for them as people.

"I could come out here and say 'Nah, it'll be fine, we'll be good' and then all of a sudden one or two leave and it compromises me. 

"I can't make promises on anything. The owners, Phil (Parsons) and the gang have been really clear about the implications of getting promoted.

"I don't think it's a shocking revelation to say that if we don't get promoted, some players will not be here. It's the same as last summer."