Russell Martin expects "one or two" more signings on deadline day
(Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)

A press conference on deadline day is every football fan's dream, and Russell Martin has given Saints supporters something to look forward to.

The Southampton manager confirmed that he expects a few more signings after Aaron Ramsdale's arrival, although he remained rather coy over whether the Arsenal goalkeeper is ready to be announced.

Speaking to the press this morning, he said: "Until it's signed in football, I have learnt in my short spell as a manager, that things can change very quickly and it isn't done until it is done.

"If it happens, when it happens hopefully, it will be a huge signing for us on and off the pitch. For the fans, the players, the staff, for opposition as well as it's a big signing. I hope it gets completed and everyone is smiling and happy by the end of it.

 (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
(Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

"I think they'll maybe be one or two more [signings], but it will also depend on people leaving the building. Some players who want to get more playing time, some that just aren't featured in our plans, but everyone is clear on their situations.

"It is really important to mention the owners as well. With Aaron [Ramsdale] they've back us massively and it's maybe one people didn't expect, so I am really grateful for that and think we will repay that to them as a group."

  • "Nottingham Forest was my fault"

Managers can sometimes blame everyone else other than themselves, with the players usually getting the brunt of this.

However, Martin was first to hold his hands up and admit to tactical problems in the way he set his side up, a trait that is rare but refreshing to see.

He said: "[Nottingham] Forest my was fault because of the way we set the team up. I don't think I got that right in terms of the context of the game or for our players, so I have to learn from that and take responsibility for it.

(Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
(Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

"Now we need to show we've learnt from that against Brentford tomorrow, who are very good, well organised team. Thomas Frank has done a brilliant job over a long period of time and I think this shows the benefit of having time and being aligned as they have really evolved into a a really good Premier League club.

"Our job into become that in our way and learning from Newcastle and Forest, and even the other night [against Cardiff]. There was stuff the lads did so well, we just need two carry that out on a Saturday. 

"Once we score, I'm sure the players will relax a bit and hopefully that will open us up for a few more."

  • Selection choice and learning

Wednesday night saw the Saints get their first win of the season, albeit it a hard-fought one against a heavily-rotated Cardiff side in the EFL Cup.

Martin gave a few opportunities to some fringe players, and admitted some of them could feature against Brentford.

He said: "Two or three of the players really staked a claim [to start]. If we feel they've done well enough then they should be able to play anywhere.

 (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
(Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)

"Two or three were outstanding, lots of things to be happy about but also a lot of this to work on. They could make a difference for us on the pitch tomorrow I'm sure."

Martin also linked his selection dilemma to how frustrated he was last weekend, suggesting a few changes could be on the cards.

"Last week we turned the ball over too much and it's impossible to get the strikers closer together.

"As a manager I have to accept responsibility. I felt like the Forest game just passed us by and we need the players to seize their opportunity.

"I don't want another game like that where the whole day just passed us all by. If we are going to lose, we are going to lose our way, having really been us and attacked the game. I don't want us to be nice, I want us to be horrible to play against."