David Martin could not contain his gratitude to the Claret and Blue Army after their amazing support helped West Ham United secure a 1-0 Premier League victory at Southampton.
The lifelong Hammers fan and son of legendary defender Alvin had his name sung from first whistle to last and celebrated with the supporters after the Irons deservedly saw off the Saints at St Mary's Stadium.
Martin's four-match run of starts could come to an end on Boxing Day, should Lukasz Fabianski be fit to return from injury, but he will never forget the backing he has received from the stands over the past few weeks.
The lift it gives me personally and for all the lads, you can feel the vibe around the place and it's a great feeling
David Martin
"They were unbelievable and so much louder than the home fans!" he smiled. "You can tell they are the die-hards who come down and support us. We've not had a good time recently but we needed them today and they got us through it. At the end, I could hear them drawing us and they made such a difference and I'm so proud to have played in front of them.
"For me, personally, it's an unbelievable feeling playing in front of people I know and from my area. I need to go and get my hair cut and I meet West Ham supporters so it's nice going into those places after a result like that!
"It means the world to me, it really does. The lift it gives me personally and for all the lads, you can feel the vibe around the place and it's a great feeling."
In a heart-warming West Ham TV interview, Martin also had words of praise for his teammates and joked that Michail Antonio should stop copying him by using his hands!
