FORMER Saints boss Gordon Strachan has credited Russell Martin for "his stubbornness" and added that the 38 year old does not need his advice.

Martin oversaw Southampton's promotion back to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in his first season as manager at St Mary's.

He has signed a new contract with the club ahead of his sixth season in management, after spells with MK Dons and Swansea City.

Strachan, who managed Saints between 2001-2004 and selected Martin in his Scotland international squads for four years, praised the boss.

Strachan, via topoffshorecasinos.com, told the Daily Echo: "I would never give Russell any advice on managing in the Premier League and he doesn’t need it from me!

Russell Martin's side drew 1-1 with Lazio on WednesdayRussell Martin's side drew 1-1 with Lazio on Wednesday (Image: Stuart Martin)

"I picked Russell in my Scotland teams, and, when he was in the camp, we used to speak about football a lot.

"One of the reasons I picked him so often was because of the way he saw the game and what he brought to the organizational structure of my team on the pitch.

"He wasn’t the quickest, he wasn't the tallest, but he could think through the game. I don't speak to Russell that often but I've sent him a couple of texts well done."

Strachan added: "He's not going to change his philosophy. He didn't do it at MK Dons, he didn't do it at Swansea.

"In his own words, I don’t think that he did a spectacular job at Swansea. When you look at it, there was nothing spectacular going on in terms of huge improvements in league positions.

"What has served him well is his commitment to playing his type of football. He stuck to his principles and Southampton obviously liked what they saw.

"They gave him the opportunity last season. In many ways, his stubbornness got him the job, and I wouldn’t expect that to change any time soon.

"He overcame some moments of adversity last season. When the results weren’t brilliant, he kept plugging away.

"Eventually, he got his team back in the Premier League. That's down to his stubbornness and his knowledge of the game.

"He's absolutely not going to change his approach because he’s managing in Premier League football. I can’t see that happening whatsoever."

Saints begin their Premier League season away to Newcastle United on Saturday, August 17, before a first St Mary's opponent in Nottingham Forest.

The club are targeting survival from relegation and will be satisfied with a 17th-place or above finish come the end of the campaign in May 2025.

"I would have thought that survival would be the target at Southampton this season," Strachan agreed.

"The club will want to retain its status in the league and build from there, so fourth bottom will be the target."