Southampton Show Martin the Exit After 5-0 Loss

Southampton have parted ways with manager Russell Martin following a crushing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, which left the club rooted to the bottom of the English Premier League (EPL) table with five points.

The match – which took place on Sunday, 15 December at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, England – capped a dismal start to the EPL season, with the hosts managing just one win in 16 matches and sitting nine points adrift of safety.

The 38-year-old Englishman, appointed in June 2023, had led the Saints to promotion through the Championship play-offs but failed to translate that success into top-flight form. His possession-based approach drew criticism as defensive errors and a lack of goals plagued the team.

Southampton have scored a league-low 11 goals and conceded 36 this season, with fans voicing their frustration during Sunday’s thrashing.

The club issued a statement acknowledging Martin’s efforts but emphasised the urgency of improving results, stating: “We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.”

Under-21s manager Simon Rusk will take interim charge, starting with a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on Wednesday, 18 December. Southampton now face a daunting battle to turn their season around under new leadership.

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