Russell Martin heads into Friday’s play-off decider against West Bromwich Albion knowing that defeat could hasten the end of his time as Southampton manager.
Saints will believe they can finish the job in front of their own fans and seal their place in the final at Wembley — where the winner will claim not just promotion to the Premier League but an estimated £200million windfall for a campaign in the top flight.
Yet if West Brom prevail in the second leg at St Mary’s, Martin will have failed in his most important task — to return Southampton instantly to the elite level.