Angus Gunn played down the widespread narrative about Russell Martin's rigid tactics by giving an example from the 2023-24 Championship season.
In English football, players turned coaches and returning fan favourites get immense respect from their boyhood clubs as well as from some rival fans. And it's needless to say that a gaffer should be given a cheerful welcome when he returns to his old stomping grounds in a bid to inspire his former employers to top-flight success.
Up until last week, there were absolutely no two ways about this fact. But perhaps Russell Martin's Rangers homecoming has questioned this belief among a chunk of the Ibrox fan faithful.
Well, Martin has scripted some unforgettable stats in the Premier League but isn't it too early for those fans to shrug their shoulders hopelessly?
Gunn leaves Southampton fans surprised with unexpected Martin praise
I know, it is and now former Southampton shot-stopper Angus Gunn has also come to the Scot's defence. On a side note, Gunn has shared the dressing room with Martin in the past but that wasn't at St. Mary's, yet, the analogy Gunn has put forward will definitely interest the Saints.
So, let's rewind back to a few seasons ago when Southampton were again battling it out in the Championship. As usual, the club met Gunn's Norwich City twice but the 29-year-old was left in awe by Martin's range of tactical flexibility.
Backing this eyebrow-raising claim, Gunn was quoted by the Scottish Herald: "I think when we first played them, they were quite open. Then, when we played them again, they were a little bit more pragmatic. I think that shows a coach that can adapt and change the way his team plays."
Going by Gunn's comments, there is nothing stopping Martin from becoming a masterstroke arrival at Rangers. Maybe, he does end up concluding his debut season by lifting some silverware there, who knows?