Southampton have confirmed the sacking of supervisor Russell Martin.
The announcement comes within the wake of Saints’ 5-0 defeat at dwelling to Tottenham on Sunday night time.
The south coast aspect are at the moment backside of the Premier League with 5 factors from 16 video games, 9 factors off security.
A membership assertion learn: “We will verify that we now have taken the tough choice to half methods with our males’s first crew supervisor, Russell Martin.
“Going into the beginning of the season, all of us knew the challenges that we’d face this yr as we readjusted to life within the high flight, competing in one of the best and best league on the earth.
“Nevertheless, the truth of our scenario is evident. The board have supported Russell and his workers and been open and clear relating to our expectations. We now have all been on the identical web page in recognising the urgency of needing outcomes to enhance.
“We want to take this chance to thank Russell and his workers for all of the laborious work and dedication they’ve given the membership on and off the pitch during the last 18 months.
“Everybody linked with Southampton FC will all the time have incredible reminiscences of final season, particularly the play-off remaining win in Might.
“Present Beneath-21s Supervisor Simon Rusk will take cost of the crew on an interim foundation till we announce a everlasting substitute.
“Behind the scenes, we’re inspired by the continued improvement of expertise coming by way of our academy. We’re pleased with the contributions our younger gamers are making and are assured this may stay a supply of energy and pleasure for everybody related to the membership.
“We’re additionally deeply grateful for the continued assist and positivity proven by our followers.
“We’re witnessing first-hand the numerous hole between the Championship and the Premier League, however your understanding and fervour, even when outcomes haven’t been what all of us need, proceed to drive our long-term dedication to the membership.”
Martin was compelled to hearken to a barrage of derogatory chants from his personal followers all through the 90 minutes at St Mary’s after they suffered a thirteenth defeat out of 16 Premier League matches this season.
James Maddison opened the scoring for Spurs after 36 seconds and when Son Heung-min made it two within the twelfth minute, the Saints trustworthy turned on their under-fire head coach.
Chants of, ‘you are getting sacked within the morning’ adopted Dejan Kulusevski’s 14th-minute effort earlier than Pape Sarr made it 4-0 halfway by way of the primary half.
Martin really missed Maddison’s second in first-half stoppage-time after he headed for the tunnel a minute early and whereas the hosts’ didn’t concede once more, the 38-year-old couldn’t disguise his disappointment at full time.
Requested if he anticipated the followers to get their want of him leaving, Martin stated: “Not a clue, mate. Not a clue. You are asking the incorrect individual.
“I’ve achieved nothing however (battle) in my life and my profession, so, we’ll preserve working and preserve preventing till I’m advised I’m not going to any extra.
“The followers have been wonderful for us since we have been right here since day one. I perceive the frustration. I perceive the fashionable world of soccer and what it’s, what it’s about. Other than that, no actual response.
“After I put my ego into it as a supervisor, it hurts loads as a result of we work so laborious each single day, nevertheless it’s not private. I do not know them, they do not know me.
“It is a criticism of the job I’m doing. I perceive. I do not suppose you possibly can criticise an individual when you do not know them, so it is a criticism of the job I’m doing.
“In fact that hurts as a result of we work so laborious, however I feel it’s important to settle for it’s half and parcel of soccer – it’s what it’s.”
The membership has determined to tug the set off on Martin with relegation again to the Championship showing inevitable.
Martin, who had beforehand managed the MK Dons and Swansea, obtained the St Mary’s job in the summertime of 2023 following their relegation from the highest flight.
He guided them again to the Premier League through the play-offs, with Saints beating Leeds 1-0 within the remaining at Wembley in Might.
However any pleasure from their Wembley time out has didn’t switch into this season with Southampton profitable simply as soon as within the league this season.
Their subsequent league outing sees them tackle Fulham at Craven Cottage, nevertheless, they first welcome Liverpool to St Mary’s within the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night time.