Paul Merson's insistence for Southampton to have sided with Russell Martin is turning to be a spot-on take amidst the glowing transfers his Scottish giants are carrying out.
Considering only the ongoing signing window, it feels weird to note that Southampton were miles ahead of almost every top-flight club in terms of opening their recruitment count. To give an idea, former boss Russell Martin used to hold a free agent status back then instead of his Rangers' gaffer tag.
In spite of that, the latter has escalated his transfer activities in a rhythm and player picks even the Saints can't help but admire.
According to Transfermarkt, he has brought a handful of newcomers there with Southampton's shrewd signing Joe Rothwell tipped to receive a leadership role there.
Southampton's impatient stance wasted Martin-led rebuild
But it's only the beginning of Martin's blueprint of preferring the same players he once tasted success with.
In the words of Sky Sports, Brooks is the next one in this growing list: "Reports that David Brooks' move to West Brom is off has opened the door for a reunion with Russell Martin at Rangers."
With this speculation picking up momentum, it's wise for Southampton fans to rewind back to Paul Merson's old Russell Martin comments. Instead of criticising him for every unacceptable result, Merson simply vouched for his retention more than anybody else.
Agreed, he might've been unfamiliar with the latter's recruitment model but the bottom line was the Scot's familiarity with the dressing room without the cost of displeasing any roster member.
Plus, nobody should forget that Martin hasn't even reached his peak coaching years and by staying half a decade at St. Mary's, he could have left the club with a high performing squad able to rack up league wins every three weeks.