Southampton have sacked manager Russell Martin following a humiliating 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday night. The result leaves the Saints rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with just one win from their opening 16 matches.
The club confirmed the decision in a statement on Sunday evening, thanking Martin for his efforts over the past 18 months. 'We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our Men’s First Team Manager, Russell Martin,' the statement read. 'The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.'
Martin, 38, was appointed in June 2023 after spells at MK Dons and Swansea City. He guided Southampton back to the Premier League via the Championship play-off final in May, but the club has struggled to adapt to top-flight life, taking only five points from 16 games and scoring just 11 goals while conceding 36.
Under-21s manager Simon Rusk will take charge on an interim basis. The Saints face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday before travelling to Fulham in the league on Saturday.
