SOUTHAMPTON sacked Russell Martin within an hour of their 5-0 defeat at Tottenham.
Martin, who led the Saints to promotion last season, managed just one win in 16 Premier League games and leaves the club with just five points.
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Russell Martin was given a sympathetic pat on the back by his Spurs counterpart Ange Postecoglou as the 5-0 defeat at home was too much for the Southampton leaders. Credit: Getty
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The writing was on the wall for Martin when many fans headed outside after Spurs went 4-0 up 25 minutes after the massacre at St. Mary’s
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Saints fans called for the manager to leave
No Premier League club has ever beaten relegation in the position Southampton are in.
Fans booed the former Swansea manager – some even left him on for just 26 minutes in a 4-0 rout – and held up a banner reading “RM: Get out of our club!”
Asked if he thought he could stay in charge after the Spurs defeat, Martin said: “No idea, no. No idea. You’re talking to the wrong man.”
Asked about fans booing him and his side, Martin added: “I’ve done nothing in my life and career but fight so we’re going to keep working and keep fighting until they tell me not to.”
“I don’t really have an answer. The fans have been amazing for us since we’ve been here since day one.
“I understand the frustration. I also understand the modern world and football and what it is and what it’s about. So other than that, I don’t have a real answer.”
Martin led Southampton to a club-record 25-game unbeaten run en route to promotion via the Play-offs last season.
But a stubborn commitment to his risky style of play and poor summer recruitment led to Southampton’s worst start to a season in their history.
FULL STATEMENT OF SOUTHAMPTON
The Saints confirmed the departure of Russell Martin on Sunday night with this statement:
We can confirm that we have made the difficult decision to part ways with our men’s first team manager, Russell Martin.
At the start of the season, we all knew what challenges we would face this year as we adjust 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 has been supportive of Russell and his staff and has been 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 last 18 months. Everyone associated with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially winning the Play-off final in May.
Current U-21 manager Simon Rusk will lead the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.
Behind the scenes, we are encouraged by the continued development of talent coming through our Academy. We are proud of the contributions made by our young players and are confident that this will remain a source of strength and pride for all 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 your understanding and passion, even when results are not what we all want, continues to drive our long-term commitment to the club.
SOCCER FREE BETTING AND REGISTRATION
His departure came on a day when fellow Wolves beat Gary O’Neil.
Southampton’s owners Sport Republic, who sacked two managers during their last Premier League season, are unlikely to follow the likes of David Moyes.
Disgusted Southampton fans walk out of St Mary’s in the 27th minute of the Tottenham clash after losing 4-0
SunSport understands that an overseas appointment is the most likely outcome at this time.
Some at the club admire Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl, who worked at the club as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s assistant.
However, it may be difficult to attract anyone to take the job given Southampton’s current position.
The Saints issued a statement confirming and explaining the “difficult decision” to part ways with Martin.
The section read: “At the start of the season, we all knew the challenges we would face this year as we adjust 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.”
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Gaps appeared in the stands at St Mary’s as Spurs hammered Saints
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education