Russell Martin: Southampton boss congratulates John Mousinho on Portsmouth success
Last updated on .From the section Southampton
Southampton manager Russell Martin has described Portsmouth's promotion to the Championship as a "great achievement" for boss John Mousinho.
Martin said that the pair know each other well and played together at under-18s level.
"I'm pleased a young British manager is getting an opportunity and I'm pleased for him personally," Martin said.
"For our fans though, it doesn't mean I'm really pleased that Portsmouth have been promoted."
Saints' biggest rivals confirmed their return to England's second tier for the first time in 12 years with a 3-2 win over Barnsley on Tuesday.
If Southampton fail to achieve promotion back to the Premier League this term, the two will face each other in the Championship next season.
They have not met since Saints won 4-0 in the EFL Cup at Fratton Park in 2019.
"I messaged John yesterday," Martin added to BBC Radio Solent. "He's a really good guy and really intelligent. I told him he's making management looking easy and putting the rest of us to shame.
"It's a really great achievement but it's now our job to ensure we experience our own success in a couple of weeks' time."
Southampton have kicked into gear in recent weeks, winning their past three league matches whilst their promotion rivals have faltered.
Saints are fourth in the Championship, four points off second place, and have four matches left, with a game in hand on third-placed Leeds United and leaders Ipswich Town.
Martin's side travel to Cardiff City on Saturday before visiting Leicester on Tuesday ahead of their final home game against Stoke City on 27 April.
They head to Elland Road to face Leeds in their final scheduled fixture of the season on 4 May.
Should they miss out on automatic promotion and end up making the play-offs, the first legs will begin on 12 May and 13 May.
