Southampton head to Wembley with Premier League return at stake

40,000 Saints fans are making the journey for the play-off final

Author: Cam HallPublished 26th May 2024

Southampton are one match away from a return to the Premier League, as they travel to Wembley for the Championship play off final.

Around 40,000 Saints fans are expected to make the journey to the national stadium to see their side face Leeds.

Victory would seal a return to the competitive and financial riches of the top flight, with Sunday's match dubbed the most lucrative in world football.

Southampton, who ended the regular season 4th, finished three points behind third-placed Leeds, but beat them in both matches.

Excitement - and nerves - ahead of crucial match

St Mary's match announcer Jon Weeks is one of the fans travelling to Wembley, and says it's "apt" both Southampton and Leeds are facing off in the final.

"They've got some incredible players going forward, the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto,

"The good thing for me is we know we've beaten them twice this season."

He adds it's been an up and down season for the side as they missed out on automatic promotion.

"We did have a 25-game unbeaten run, which beat one of Saints' record, and some incredible performances, and some bad performances at the start."

Sandra Davis, who's had a Southampton season ticket for 40 years, said she was looking to the atmosphere at Wembley, and being Saints fans she regarded as her "other family."

"The fans just get behind the team, and come from far and wide."

Adams and Stewart set for return

Saints boss Russell Martin says his side's previous wins against Leeds this season will count for nothing when they set onto the pitch at Wembley.

"It can also motivate the opposition, so we have to make sure we use that to our advantage."

Forwards Che Adams and Ross Stewart are back in the matchday squad after injury lay offs, which Martin says he is "delighted" about.

"It probably would have been the easiest thing for Che being out of contract with the Euros just round the corner to make himself unavailable, but he's done everything he could to make himself available."

Martin, who captained Norwich to play-off victory in 2015, says today's a good chance for his players to feel something "spectacular" after relegation last season.

"We have a lot of players who care, and were part of that last season, so they have such a chance to feel the complete opposite."

South Western Railway have put on additional trains for fans, but are warning trains into London will be "extremely busy" before 12pm, and leaving the capital after 6pm.

Queuing systems will be in place at stations along the route.

The game gets underway at Wembley Stadium at 3pm.