Shearer: 'I hope Saints give Martin longer to try and improve their position'

FORMER Saints forward Alan Shearer believes the club should give Russell Martin more time to "improve" their standing in the Premier League.

Saints currently sit bottom of the table with only one win and have scored just seven goals, the division's worst attacking record.

They failed to register a shot on target during their controversial 2-0 defeat to Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.

Despite their precarious position, Premier League record goalscorer Shearer hopes Martin will be given more time at the helm.

He told Betfair: "Southampton sit bottom and it's a really difficult situation because Russell Martin is sticking to his beliefs which got Southampton promoted to the Premier League.

READ MORE: Saints told Peterborough winger would be 'shrewd signing' 

"He's clearly a very good manager and it's clear that his players understand what he's trying to do, but the difference in standard from the Premier League to Championship is staggering.

"From an owner’s point of view, it must be a difficult moment, because you see your football club at the bottom of the league.

"The way the team is trying to play makes it frustrating at times, and that’s hard. But, you have to understand that the difference is massive and Russell has built something there in a specific way.

"It's a difficult one for them but I'd hope, from Russell Martin's point of view, they'll give him a bit longer to try and improve their position.

READ MORE: Martin insists on loan winger is part of big picture at Southampton

"We saw at the weekend what can happen with Ipswich going to Spurs and getting their first win, as did Wolves against Southampton.

"The one thing I will say is that Southampton play some nice football, but a lot of their football doesn't lead to the goals that they'll need to score to stay up.

"I was there on the opening day at St James’ Park, where Newcastle were down to ten men and Southampton couldn’t score.

"I thought that day they'd have problems putting the ball in the back of the net and they are the league’s lowest scorers which is a big problem."