Russell Martin given the sack by Southampton after humiliating Spurs defeat that sees them rooted in a relegation scrap.
Russell Martin has been sacked as Southampton manager after the Premier League’s bottom club’s heavy 5-0 defeat by Tottenham proved the final act of his reign.
After leading the team to victory over Leeds in the Championship playoffs last season, they are back in the top division. Since Southampton was promoted, Martin has had difficulties. With five points from 16 games, he drops Saints to the basement of the Premier League.
On Sunday, when his team conceded five first-half goals, Saints fans sang songs condemning Martin’s style of play, and St Mary’s emptied as supporters voted with their feet, many departing the stadium after Pape Sarr scored Tottenham’s fourth goal in the 25th minute.
A club statement conveyed the news that became inevitable during that first-half performance. It read: ”We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our men’s first team manager, Russell Martin.”
The statement continued. “Going into the start of the season. We all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight. Competing in the best and most competitive league in the world. However, the reality of our situation is clear. 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.”
In a post-match interview, Martin, 38, asked if he expected the fans to get their wish of his departure, said. “Not a clue, mate. Not a clue. You’re asking the wrong person. I’ve done nothing but fight in my life and my career. So, we’ll keep working and keep fighting until I am told I am not going to any more.”
Although Martin’s open and offensive style, which involves asking defenders to bring the ball forward has failed time and time again in the top division. The former Swansea manager, who joined Saints in the summer of 2023, has not expressed regret for his strategy.
Simon Rusk, Southampton’s under-21s manager, has been confirmed to take over temporarily while they look for a permanent replacement.