Russell Martin insists he took no pleasure in hitting former club Swansea City on Boxing Day – and has backed them to navigate a recent period of turmoil.

Martin, now in charge of Southampton, saw his current employers defeat the Swans 5-0 but admits he felt mixed emotions at the end of the game when he was seen cheering on Jack’s traveling army.

“I no longer feel the joy of beating them because, as you saw at the end, I was thrilled with the reception from the Swansea fans. It was really incredible. “I hope Southampton fans understand that I will always be them.” applaud,” he said.

“They have been brilliant with us for two years. They were patient and understood what was happening. The players on the field too. They went, spent a lot of money and still play with most of the guys we had because they are brilliant players.

“So my feelings towards the people who run the football club who are not in Wales are completely separate from the feelings I have towards the people of Wales, if that makes sense.

“I feel very sorry for them. Because the coach has changed again and they have a goalkeeper who has done a brilliant job. Alan has done a fantastic job. It’s difficult to be a goalkeeper for a long period of time.

“I was talking to my brother, who’s in Spain, and he said, ‘What are you waiting for?’ and I thought, “I really don’t know. Maybe they’ll boo me. I hope not.” But we left. I hope most of them understand the why and the context of this.

“In addition to what you think of us from a football point of view, the way our team plays and everything. I hope you saw a group of people who really care about the city and the people. Because it’s great. My family loved it.

“I hope Saints fans understand that. Because now my family likes being here. They like going to games.

“We go with everything, wherever we are. But we had a lot of fun here, but we also spent two years there. It’s not like we’ve moved on, it’s like, oh, forget it. We will not forget the support we had. The patience we had. The attention we got. From the people who were around.”

Swansea are without a permanent manager after parting ways with Martin’s successor Michael Duff earlier this month, and there is understandably growing concern among fans who have once again expressed their anger at the club’s American owners at St Mary’s Stadium.

Martin believes the Swans have enough in them to avoid problems but admits clarity is needed in the ongoing search for a new boss.

“I have confidence in them because of the people they have there every day and how much they care. The players they have on the field,” she added.

“I thought they were really good in the first half. I thought Paterson was relentless and he’s in a really good position and in good form at the moment. They have brilliant players on the bench, the squad is good.

“He is strong and they will be more than fine. “They just need clarity and guidance on where they’re going.”