Martin on potential Ward-Prowse transfer and club captaincy

Speaking ahead of Saints’ Championship clash with Norwich on Saturday, Martin disclosed Ward-Prowse’s nearing departure and praised the 28-year-old for his 20-year legacy at the club.

“We had a really good chat on Wednesday, he’s really emotional about leaving this club which shows you how much he cares and how difficult it will be for him if it all goes through. I think he would’ve really liked it to have ended in a different way if it was ever going to happen, with the club in the Championship, so obviously he’s been torn with wanting to be here and help get the club back to the Premier League but also has real personal ambition to be in the Premier League, force himself into the England squad, break some records in the Premier League. So, I think he leaves here, and I’m talking about inside the club, with an incredible legacy in terms of the relationships he has with people and how everyone feels about him.

Regarding the captaincy, the Saints boss also revealed Stephens, who signed a new two-year deal with the club last week, would take on the captaincy from Ward-Prowse.

“I told the guys Jack will be the club captain now. They applauded him, they’re happy for him and Prowsey would tell me that’s the right choice as well, I asked him and he agreed, so yeah, it was a nice meeting to draw the line.

“I think he’s been a brilliant example for everyone and now it’s Jack’s turn to lead, which he does anyway, he’s a real leader, and now it’s his turn. The reason he is a leader and the reason we chose him is because he has the two most important things you could ever have as a leader, that’s authenticity - he’s really himself in all situations - and he has courage, he’s really brave. And for me if I was following anyone, I’d want them to have those two things and he’s got both of them.”