Southampton: Hoedt rallies the troops ahead of must-win West Ham game

Ahead of this weekend’s relegation six-pointer against West Ham, Southampton’s Wesley Hoedt has called for the players to give something back to the fans.

With tougher fixtures to come and relegation a real possibility, the Saints need to pick up all three points this weekend when they face the Hammers at the London Stadium.

The home side have been boosted by the return of two first-team players, but still find themselves with an injury-stricken squad ahead of their meeting with Mark Hughes’ side.

The Welshman meanwhile could be able to field Charlie Austin after a three month lay-off whilst other senior players like Steven Davis and Maya Yoshida are close to returning to first-team action, giving the Saints boss a slight advantage for the match-up.

Wesley Hoedt meanwhile has called for the players to do their part ahead of the tough fixture, insisting they owe a good performance to the fans.

"“Supporters are always really important but we always have to be aware that we have to give something back. That’s up to us: they do their part and we have to do ours, to fight and play good football.“Pulling together is the most important thing. I heard Charlie saying it as well, to put our minds all in the same direction, it’s the only thing we can do. If the fans are there and supporting us we have to give them something back by winning for them.”"

Hoedt has been near ever-present for the Saints since making a first-team spot his own in the early months of the season, with the Dutch defender being one of the Southampton’s top players this term.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

However, much like the rest of the side, the Dutchman has not been without mistakes and will look to build upon a solid start to life under Mark Hughes.

Several Southampton players, including Hoedt, have already come out to praise the ex-Saints player for his instant impact, following his short-term appointment after the dismissal of Mauricio Pellegrino.

"“He’s really straightforward and clear with the things he wants so that’s really good. We all have to work as hard as we can and show that we want to play and fight for this club.” – Hoedt"

Following the game against West Ham, the Saints face an incredibly tricky few weeks with four games in just 14 days – three of these are against Chelsea and Arsenal with games against the former in both league and cup.

Therefore producing a result against the Irons this weekend is absolutely crucial, especially as the Hammers are just a place above Southampton. Hoedt will hope that his words can rally the troops and that the Saints can come out as victors this Saturday for the sake of the travelling fans.