SAINTS defender Kyle Walker-Peters revealed Russell Martin promised the players to take “blame” for their mistakes if they stick fearlessly to his methods.

The manager has ushered in a new style of football during the first nine Championship matches as boss at St Mary’s.

Martin’s possession-based philosophy instils a desire to keep the ball but also to take risks in possession, including playing out from the back.

Saints came under fire after a succession of individual mistakes eventually led to four defeats in a row before beating Leeds United on Saturday.

Walker-Peters, a two-time England international who remained at the club despite relegation from the Premier League, has opened up on Martin’s advice.

“I definitely think Russell is a lot more extreme in terms of playing out from the back at all times and domination of the football, but I don’t think it’s too big a difference,” he told club media.

“I think it’s just about having that bravery because we are going to make mistakes. Fans need to be prepared for that because we are playing high-risk football, but when it does work, it’s wonderful, and we did show that in the first three games.

“The manager has been great. I said it to some of the boys after the last game, we’ve got a manager who trusts us immensely.

“He’s said to us, ‘Go out, do what I said, it’s high risk but if you make a mistake, I’ll be the one in the press taking the blame,’ so there’s nothing to be afraid of. I think we need to get rid of that fear, and really go and play our stuff.

“It’s a transition in terms of that side, the mentality, but we’re all good footballers and we all know the style, and it’s something we’re enjoying.”

Walker-Peters added: “I think the style – and Russell keeps telling me this – suits me perfectly, being an inverted full-back and having a bit of freedom to almost do what I want. 

“The manager has been great with me. He trusts me immensely, so I’m enjoying it. I think I’m performing well and I think a lot of my individual stats are showing that – dribbles, passes, distance carried with the ball, etc.

“It’s only truly fun when you’re winning. Being on the ball for the majority of the game is great, but we need to turn that into wins.”

Saints take on Stoke City looking to record back-to-back wins for the first time since August when they visit Bet365 Stadium on Tuesday evening (8PM).