Russell Martin ‘really grateful’ after Southampton beat Leeds in play-off final

Russell Martin expressed his gratitude and acknowledged he was not a “sexy appointment” after guiding Southampton to the Premier League with a precious 1-0 win over Leeds at Wembley.

Adam Armstrong struck midway through the first half to haunt Leeds again with his 24th goal of the campaign and it proved enough to send Saints back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

It continued the remarkable rise of Martin after he masterminded promotion to the Premier League in only his fifth season as a manager.

The 38-year-old paid tribute to the Southampton owners and former director of football Jason Wilcox, who brought him to the club but left to join Manchester United last month and was at Wembley a day earlier for the FA Cup final.

Martin said: “I just feel really grateful. I have felt that all week really.

“Just felt a load of gratitude for what the players have given us, the staff, the supporters and I feel immense pride in what we have achieved.

“I just feel grateful to the owners for giving me the opportunity in the first place, for Jason, who had a good day himself here yesterday.

“I feel like it wasn’t a sexy appointment for Southampton Football Club, me coming in, but they were brave enough to give me the opportunity and hopefully we have repaid them with a day they will remember forever.

“It has given me one of the best days of my career for sure, so yeah I just feel nothing but gratitude and a lot of love for the people I’ve worked with all year.”

Saints endured a rollercoaster ride before they made it to Wembley, losing four in a row in September before Martin oversaw a club record 25-match unbeaten run.

A poor end to the campaign, which included a 5-0 loss at Leicester, threatened to derail their promotion