Russell Martin employed Shea Charles as a pivot in his only Southampton season instead of entrusting him in his natural central midfield role.
It's been a couple of silent days since Leeds' Shea Charles interest, but the fan fears at St. Mary's have just increased even more. To the point that the supporters would be thankful to see out the first phase of the transfer window without losing Charles.
Supposedly, Southampton would have had a better Charles' transfer stance if not for some questionable decisions. But, instead of the board, recently all their aims have turned towards an ex-boss.
And unsurprisingly, Russell Martin, who's remained a topic of discussion since his exit, is at the centre of it.
Saints fans believe Martin didn't utilise Shea Charles' potential
Well, that's because, as per fans, Martin didn't entrust Shea Charles enough in his inaugural Saints season. And then happened his Sheffield loan which has put Southampton in danger of losing him.
Recently, speaking to Football League World, fan pundit Martin Sanders put it simply, saying: “Russell Martin failed to trust him in the campaign before. I don’t think he’s actually played in the position that suits him, and that’s not sitting in the pivot as a six. I’d like to see him have a bit more freedom."
Honestly, in a way, this Russell Martin call-out falsifies the manager's previous claim of building an efficient youth setup. But again, none can deny that if for his trust, Southampton would have commanded a better hold on Shea Charles, the way they are doing it with Mateus Fernandes.
Additionally, if Charles had stayed, fans might’ve finally seen his full midfield potential unfold at St. Mary’s. A factor, being deprived of this, has triggered their transfer fears further.
But still, blaming Martin solely for their situation isn't justified. Maybe, even if not for all this, Charles wouldn't have developed into the player he is now.
Well, there's time until the second phase of the transfer window begins. Let's see till then where the Shea Charles saga proceeds.