Premier League club Southampton have sacked manager Russell Martin after an embarrassing 5-0 home defeat to Tottenham.
Southampton announced this in a statement issued after the club’s thrashing by Tottenham on Sunday night.
Martin’s departure was announced by the club less than 90 minutes after the full-time whistle.
The club stated: “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.
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“Current Under-21s Manager Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.”
Southampton, promoted last season, are rooted to the bottom of the table, nine points from safety.
Southampton conceded five first-half goals to Tottenham in the Sunday evening match.
Martin said after the game: “I was hurt in the first half. We did not respond very well to the setbacks as a group.
“We have seen that all too often this season. After the first goal, our response was very poor.”
Speaking about his future, the 38-year-old former Scotland international added: “We have no choice but to keep working and fighting. It’s what I have been doing in this job and I will continue doing it until I am told not to.”
Martin, appointed in June 2023, led Southampton to promotion via the Championship play-offs but has overseen just one victory and 13 defeats from 16 games in the Premier League.
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