Southampton on the hunt for brand spanking new head coach after Russell Martin dismissal

Southampton parted methods with supervisor Russell Martin following their 5-0 defeat to Tottenham, which left the membership 9 factors adrift of security within the Premier League.

The 38-year-old had efficiently led the Saints again to the Premier League final season, clinching promotion with a memorable play-off ultimate victory over Leeds at Wembley.

Nonetheless, this marketing campaign has been a stark distinction, with Southampton enduring a torrid run of kind, shedding 13 of their 16 league matches to date.

The workforce’s solely league win this season got here in opposition to Everton in November, they usually have struggled to seek out the web, managing simply 11 targets – the bottom tally within the division.

In a press release, Southampton mentioned: “Going into the beginning of the season, all of us knew the challenges that we might face this yr as we readjusted to life within the prime flight, competing in the most effective and best league on the earth.

“Nonetheless, the fact of our scenario is obvious. The board have supported Russell and his employees and been open and clear relating to our expectations.

We will affirm that we now have taken the tough resolution to half methods with our Males’s First Group Supervisor, Russell Martin.

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 15, 2024

“We wish to take this chance to thank Russell and his employees for all of the arduous work and dedication they’ve given the membership on and off the pitch during the last 18 months.

“Everybody related with Southampton FC will all the time have unbelievable recollections of final season, particularly the play-off ultimate win in Could.”

Simon Rusk, the membership’s Beneath-21s supervisor, has been named interim head coach and can oversee the senior workforce beginning with their Carabao Cup quarter-final conflict in opposition to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday.

Martin’s departure coincides with one other managerial exit within the Premier League, as Wolves additionally introduced the sacking of Gary O’Neil on the identical day.

Southampton’s struggles within the prime flight this season have underscored the difficulties of adjusting to life again within the Premier League, and the membership will now search for a contemporary course to reignite their survival hopes.