Football
Russell Martin Sacked By Southampton Just Hours After Saints Ship Five At Home To Tottenham On Sunday Night
James is an experienced writer covering a wide range of sports, including Premier League and European football, Rugby Union, WWE and the NFL. Having studied English & Creative Writing at Plymouth University, James completed a master's degree in Digital & Social Media Marketing before pursuing a career in Journalism. He then graduated from News Associates in Manchester after finishing their NCTJ Postgraduate Diploma in Multimedia Sports Journalism. Since then, James spent time writing for GameRant before ing Reach PLC, where he featured regularly in publications such as the Daily Mirror, Football.LDN, Manchester Evening News and Liverpool Echo, as well as dozens of local titles. Now at SportsCasting, James provides expert analysis and detailed research features, as well as covering breaking news stories.
Get to know James Chittick betterPublished15 Dec 2024
Southampton have sacked manager Russell Martin after his side lost 5-0 at home to Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday night.
Martin, 38, guided Saints back to the Premier League last season. They earned promotion via the playoffs as they beat Leeds United at Wembley.
The manager was rewarded with a new contract over the summer, but his side have been woeful since returning to the top flight.
Southampton’s loss to Spurs was their 13th in 16 Premier League games and leaves them bottom of the table – nine points from safety.
With a league-low of 11 goals scored, Saints’ only victory was a 1-0 win against Everton in November.
Russell Martin Sacked As Southampton Release Statement
News of Martin’s dismissal broke within two hours of full-time at St. Mary’s. The club released a statement alongside the announcement.
It said: “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,” said a Southampton statement.
“However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have ed 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 will now be managed by under-21s coach Simon Rusk on an interim basis. Rusk will take charge of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.
There are plenty of people in line to replace Martin permanently. Read our list of the next Southampton manager candidates here.
Earlier on the same day, Wolves sacked manager Gary O’Neil after their own recent struggles.