“Shea Charles: Growing Pains and Gains in His Debut Season at Southampton…Read more
“Shea Charles Reflects on First Season with Southampton and His Relationship with Manager Russell Martin”
Shea Charles has completed his first senior football season after joining Southampton from Manchester City last summer. Southampton invested £10.5 million in the then-19-year-old Charles, who served as Flynn Downes’ understudy as the team secured promotion through the Championship play-offs.
As Southampton aims to sign Downes permanently this summer, Charles may find himself on the bench again next season. However, he has made significant progress and gained valuable experience in his debut season.
Charles made 38 appearances across all competitions, contributing significantly to a successful season. The Northern Ireland international recently spoke about manager Russell Martin.
One reason Southampton was eager to sign Charles was his versatility. Although primarily a defensive midfielder, he also played as a center-back, right-back, and box-to-box midfielder under Martin during the 2023/24 season.
In an interview with the Daily Echo, Charles praised Martin, describing him as open, honest, and supportive both on and off the pitch. Charles mentioned that Martin’s feedback helps him improve his game.
Despite Charles’ positive start, there were indications that Martin doesn’t fully trust him yet. For example, Martin often preferred Will Smallbone, a more attack-minded midfielder, in the holding role when Downes was unavailable.
When Downes missed ten league games last season, Southampton won only two without him. After Downes was injured against Preston in April, Charles performed well as his replacement. However, in the following crucial match against Cardiff City, Charles was benched, and Smallbone played in his place.
Charles will be eager to build on last season and prove to his manager in pre-season that he can be relied upon in the Premier League.
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