SMART TRUTH BOMB

Russell warns Saints to prepare for wild ride

- ALEX CROOK

SHEFF WED v SOUTHAMPTON

Kick-off: 8pm, Sky Sports ME

RUSSELL MARTIN has warned his Southampton players to prepare themselves for the unpredictability of the Championship after claiming the second tier is stronger than ever. 

Martin’s Saints are one of the favourites to go up after being relegated from the Premier League last season.

But the former Swansea boss, whose side begin their campaign with a trip to newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday tonight, said: “The Championship is never easy and so exciting.