Russel Martin Dismissed By Struggling Southampton After Spurs Thumping
Russel Martin has been dismissed as Southampton manager after the Saints lost 5-0 to Tottenham Hotspurs on Sunday.
Southampton are rock bottom on the Premier League table, having won just one game all season, losing 13 times.
Martin is the fourth managerial casualty of the 2024/2025 Premier League season after Erik Ten Hag, Steve Cooper and Gary O'Neil.
The 38-year-old joined the Saint Mary's Stadium outfit in the summer of 2023 and secured promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs in his first season in charge.
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.
"Current U21s manager Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.
