After being humiliated at home by a Spurs team who scored five goals in the first half, and then coasted through the second, Southampton FC have sacked Russell Martin. He is the fourth EPL manager to be sacked this season, and the second one today.
The club website has the following statement:
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.
Russell joined Southampton in June 2023. He was the teams fourth manager in sixth months - Ralph Hasenhütll departed the team in November 2022; his replacement, Nathan Jones, was sacked in February 2023; Rubén Sellés was given the job until the end of the season and, when he was unable to perform the miracle of preserving EPL status, he was not offered any extension.
The tenure started well. a twenty-five game unbeaten streak failed to procure automatic promotion, but laid a foundation which led to the play-offs and, in the final, victory over Leeds United.
So far this season Southampton have scored only five points in sixteen games. A single win against Everton and draws with Brighton and Ipswich. Their tally of 36 goals conceded is not the worst in the league, but the 11 goals scored very much is.
There will be out of work managers weighing up between enjoying the festive season with their family, and throwing their hat into the ring. Whoever gets the job has a perfect opportunity. If they fail to keep the Saints in the EPL no one will be surprised and maybe rebuilding for next year will allow them to build something special. On the other hand, if they produce a miracle, St Mary's could have a new statue outside.
Whoever does take the job would be wise to wait until after the next match before accepting. League leaders Liverpool visit St Mary's on Wednesday evening in the League Cup Quarter Final.
text by stuartcturnbull, picture from Getty Images via talksport