Southampton boss makes 'imposing' St James' Park claim & hints at frustrating Newcastle United tactics

Their visit to the North East on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) marks the Saints’ first game back in the Premier League since winning promotion out of Championship at the first attempt.

And Martin is expecting to face a “powerful” Newcastle, not just on the pitch but off it also with the former Norwich City defender labelling the crowd and stadium as one of the club’s biggest strengths.

“Aggressive,” answered Martin when asked about the Magpies’ qualities. “They run so hard out of position and they had huge numbers physically last season - they were in the top two or three in the league. for sprint distance and high intensity runs.

“They have physical stature and prowess, and they have some really outstanding players. They have a clear way of doing things. They have a lot of tools in their armoury - I think every team will have in the Premier League. It’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to.

“Also, one of their biggest strengths is the crowd, the atmosphere, the ground - they all really buy into it. Football makes that city. Even when you step into the city centre where the stadium is, it’s imposing so you have to deal with all of that.

“It’s a great first game to really see where we’re going to be at and for the players to really feel some moments to grow from. It’s going to be a really tough one but they all are. It’s going to be a brilliant challenge.”

Martin then heaped praise on Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall for the job they have carried out since arriving on Tyneside in November 2021. He recognises the pair have created a club where everybody is united.

Indeed, the 38-year-old has already hinted using tactics to frustrate Howe’s side and the 52,000 sell-out crowd.

Martin added: “Eddie and Jason have had a brilliant career. For a young British coach to look at them and see what they’ve achieved and done is great.

“They’ve earned the opportunities they’ve had because it’s not been an easy journey for them. The fact that they’re doing it now at the very top level and got the team to the Champions League I think is an incredible achievement.

“It’s a tough game and they have a real strong identity in what they do. I’ve played against Eddie’s teams a lot as a player and they were really clear. They’re obviously very good coaches and they look like they have a team, crowd and fanbase that is fully behind them and that’s really powerful, especially up there at St James’ Park.

“We know we’re going to have to manage that and take the temperature out of the game as much as we can and try and be ourselves as much as we can, and we’ll see where it takes us.”