Gary Lineker labels Southampton's Russell Martin a 'manager to watch'

The 38 year old boss has his side 21 games unbeaten, including 20 in the Championship, with their last loss coming in September. 

Martin's Saints are putting pressure on Leicester City and Ipswich Town as they hunt down automatic promotion. 

The St Mary's side finished dead last in the Premier League last campaign and Martin has been instrumental in the club's turnaround.

Lineker, host of BBC's Match of the Day, singled the former Norwich City captain out for praise following Saturday's 3-1 win at Swansea City. 

On The Rest is Football Podcast, Lineker said: "Southampton, I wanted to talk about them because they are flying.

Russell Martin has won 18 of his first 30 games as Saints boss (Image: Stuart Martin)

"What about Southampton? A 3-1 win at Swansea sets a new club record of 21 games without defeat.

"They are second and Russell Martin could be a manager to watch. He started at MK Dons and then went to Swansea.

"He was the first manager to win two derbies against Cardiff in about 100 years, I think. They play real possession-based football."

The 63 year old added: "You've got Leicester and Southampton now one and two and Leeds United not far behind. 

"The parachute payments are vital and it makes a big difference - is it a bit unfair on the rest of the teams?

"When you have been relegated it is vital you bounce back quickly."

Saints will be looking to keep their unbeaten run rolling when they visit Watford in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday (2pm).