Russell martin has been sacked as Southampton manager, just hours after his team were beaten 5-0 at home by Tottenham Hotspur.
The thrashing at the hands of Spurs left the Saints bottom of the Premier League with just five points from 16 games.
Southampton have won just one league game this season under Martin’s management, scoring only 11 goals and conceding 36.
Simon Rusk, the club’s Under-21 manager will take charge of the first team as interim manager before a permanent replacement is appointed.
A club statement late on Sunday night read: ‘We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our Men’s First Team Manager, Russell Martin.
‘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.
‘We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months. Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the Play-Off Final win in May.
‘Current Under-21s Manager Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.
‘Behind the scenes, we are encouraged by the continued development of talent coming through our Academy. We are proud of the contributions our young players are making and are confident this will remain a source of strength and pride for everyone associated with the club.
‘We are also deeply grateful for the continued support and positivity shown by our fans. We are witnessing first-hand the significant gap between the Championship and the Premier League, but your understanding and passion, even when results have not been what we all want, continue to drive our long-term commitment to the club.’
Speaking to TNT Sports after the heavy defeat to Tottenham but before he was dismissed, Martin said: ‘We have no choice but to keep working and fighting. It’s what I have been doing in this job and I will continue doing it until I am told not to.’
Spurs were 4-0 ahead after just 25 minutes and had scored the fifth before half-time on a nightmare period for Martin.
‘I was hurt in the first half,’ he said. ‘We did not respond very well to the setbacks as a group. We have seen that all too often this season. After the first goal, our response was very poor.
‘It’s most disappointing because we had worked on a plan. We had a week’s training and the players have been part of that process. But we did not carry out anywhere near the intensity or aggression we needed. I didn’t recognise our team in the first half. But I am pleased they stuck out in the second half.
‘At this point, it is about pride and showing some care for each other.’
Martin was appointed Southampton manager in June 2023 and led the team to promotion from the Championship through the play-offs in May this year, beating Leeds United in the final.
However, the home fans made their feelings clear on Sunday, with a banner telling Martin to leave the club clear to see and boos obvious to hear.
On whether the boos hurt, Martin said: ‘As a person, no, because I understand that it’s not personal. But as a manager, yes. It hurts me as well as the team. But I also understand it.’
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