Southampton sacks coach Russell Martin after club’s poor performance

The news that Russell Martin was discharged from his duties at Saints Mary’s Park has been roaming the streets for a while, but the question is why the club’s management took so long before he was sacked last Sunday. Russell becomes the fourth manager to have been sacked in the EPL this season after Erik Ten Hag set the precedence last October.

Southampton announced that they sacked manager Russell Martin following Sunday’s defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, which left them nine points from safety at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Following Southampton’s relegation scare in the Premier League, the club has decided to part ways with 38-year-old Russell, who was previously instrumental in earning the team’s promotion to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Martin’s final game in charge saw supporters at St Mary’s chant for his exit from the stands and leave in significant numbers in the first half. The club had already conceded four goals in the first 25 minutes as they ended up beaten 5-0 by Spurs. 

Under-21s manager Simon Rusk has been placed in interim charge.

Southampton’s statement about Russell Martin’s departure

A Southampton statement 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.”

Southampton has taken just five points this term, with Sunday’s defeat the 13th of the campaign.