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Southampton sacked manager Russell Martin after Sunday’s 5-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.
Defeat, which he saw Spurs score all five of their goals in the first halfit was Southampton’s 13th in the 16 Premier League games they have played this season, leaving them nine points from safety.
Having seen through Wolves manager Gary O’Neil earlier in the day – the former Bournemouth boss pays the price for a fourth Premier League series defeat against Ipswich Town on Saturday – the Saints decided to pull the trigger themselves, removing Martin from the position he held for 18 months.
“We can confirm that we have made the difficult decision to part ways with our men’s first team manager, Russell Martin,” Southampton statement read. “At the beginning of the season, we all knew what challenges we would face this year as we adjust to life in the top league, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world.
“However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board supported Russell and his staff and was open and transparent about our expectations. We were all on the same page in recognizing the urgency of the need to improve results.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given to the club on and off the pitch over the past 18 months. Everyone associated with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the win in the play-off final in May.”
After confirming the appointment of under-21 boss Simon Rusk on an interim basis, the Saints added: “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 that 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 witness first-hand the significant gap between the Championship and the Premier League, but with your understanding and passion, even when the results are not what we all want, we continue to maintain our long-term commitment to the club. “
