Juric must now finally get rid of Southampton who Martin says are a 'boss'.

Southampton Supporters will be praying that Ivan Juric's appointment is inspiring after the atrocious end to Russell Martin's reign at St Mary's.

Sorry saints are sitting in the gutter Premier League Only six points After leaking 36 disastrous goals Along the way, but there were plenty of positives to be taken from their negative outing against Fulham in their final division match.

As Juric watched from the stands at Craven Cottage, his new side battled well for a share of the points, with a large portion of the Saints defenders dazzling the Croatian.

Southampton's outstanding defenders against Fulham

Southampton interim manager Simon Rask was thrilled to have Aaron Ramsdale back at his disposal against the Cottagers, with the former Arsenal goalkeeper having to remain on guard throughout to get a clean sheet.

By the end of the 90 minutes, Ramsdale had produced an impressive performance Five savesall while still recovering from a broken finger, which no doubt helped the defenders in front of him feel safer about scoring a point.

However, the likes of Jan Bednarek and Nathan Wood also deserve praise in the 0-0 draw, with both centre-backs combining on the day to seal the win. Total ten duels, With Wood's performance particularly impressive considering that was just him His third start In the first division.

Juric will believe he can get a tone out of his new troops based on their brave display in west London, therefore, but there will also be a few players who he will be less inclined to give chances when they are properly introduced into the Saints squad. A seat that should include a suspended Jack Stevens.

Jack Stevens' future under Juric

With him Contract expiration Next summer, Stevens will be very concerned about whether or not he stays at St Mary's, and Wood and co are more likely to make up Jurek's early line-up in defense than the 30-year-old Robbie.

Worryingly, Stevens has managed to pick up two red cards this season in the Championship but he has done so Zero clean sheets next to his name, as the Southampton captain appears out of his depth as he tries to cope with the harsh demands of the Premier League.

Unfortunately for the Saints' loyal servant, Juric's new ideas coming into the building – combined with an impressive defensive performance away to Fulham – could mean he will be let go very soon, despite his scoring record. 191 matches For the club since joining in 2011.

Russell Martin was fond of Stevens, describing him as a… “leader” The record reached his camp last summer when signing a new contract with the club.

“I love Jack as a character and as a player. An amazing character, a real leader and brave. Really brave. To take the ball, wanting to get the ball, setting the team up, a platform to build on, but also brave.” The way he defends and is himself, I really like him and I love working with him.”

However, Juric will know he has to make the right decisions for his team here and now as the south coast side try to somehow stave off relegation.

While the above passing numbers will also fit Martin's strict philosophy of always playing out from the back, the new Southampton boss will want his defenders to be as strong and assertive as they were against Fulham for the rest of the difficult season, with Stevens winning lackluster duels at a rate of 2.2 on average. This season in the league isn't quite cutting it.

It will be sad to cut ties if the 30-year-old is let go next year, but if the likes of Wood, Bednarek and Harwood-Bellis continue to keep clean sheets, Stevens' experienced boss hasn't really got a place to call his own anymore in the Center back spaces.