Southampton have sacked manager Russell Martin following a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, which left the club nine points adrift of safety in the Premier League.
The 38-year-old guided the Saints to promotion last season in his debut campaign, clinching victory over Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley.
However, the heavy loss to Spurs was Southampton’s 13th league defeat this season out of 16 matches played.
The club’s sole win this campaign came against Everton in November, with Southampton struggling in attack, scoring a league-low 11 goals.
“Heading into the start of the season, we all understood the challenges we would face as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world,” read a statement from Southampton.
“However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and have been open and transparent regarding our expectations.
“We have all been aligned in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all their hard work and dedication to the club on and off the pitch over the past 18 months.
“Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always treasure the fantastic memories of last season, especially the play-off final win in May.”
Southampton’s Under-21s manager, Simon Rusk, has been named interim head coach of the senior team, with his first challenge being a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Premier League leaders Liverpool at St Mary’s on Wednesday.
Russell Martin’s dismissal came on the same day that Wolves announced the sacking of Gary O’Neil, marking two managerial changes in the Premier League.
Southampton’s Premier League struggles
Southampton were 5-0 down to Tottenham by half-time, prompting anger from home supporters, who voiced their frustration at both manager Russell Martin and the club’s owners, Sport Republic.
Despite bringing in nine permanent signings during the summer, the Saints’ squad has failed to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, hampered by a lack of goals and a leaky defence.
“This is a very precarious job,” Martin admitted after the match. “I can’t sit here after losing 5-0, being bottom of the table, and pretend I feel confident about my position.
“I’ve no choice but to work and fight. That’s all I’ve done in this job, and I’ll keep doing that until I’m told otherwise.”
No team with five points or fewer at this stage of a Premier League season has ever avoided relegation.
Martin’s commitment to his possession-based, passing philosophy has not yielded results, with the following concerning statistics:
- Only four teams have had a worse goal difference after 16 matches of a Premier League season than Southampton’s current -25.
- Southampton have made the most errors leading to goals this season (10) and more mistakes resulting in shots (26) than any other side.
- Saints have faced 108 shots on target this season, the highest in the Premier League.
Southampton’s next league match is a trip to Fulham, followed by hosting West Ham and an away fixture against Crystal Palace before the end of the year.
“They’ve imploded a lot,” said BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy on Match of the Day 2.
“Football is ruthless. When you’re at the bottom and the hierarchy and fans want to stay up, you’re going to get replaced. Someone else will come in and face a huge challenge, but I think it’s too late.”
Murphy added: “You have to be more flexible than Russell Martin was. Ultimately, if your recruitment isn’t strong and you lack Premier League experience, you’ll struggle – and that’s exactly what’s happened.”
Southampton fans displayed a banner during the Spurs match that read: “RM: Get out of our club!”
“It’s tough to see the banner aimed at Russell Martin,” said former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given on MOTD2. “Not long ago, he got them promoted and was a hero. The Premier League is a massive step up from the Championship.”
