Southampton have sacked Russell Martin after fans turned on the Saints head coach during their 5-0 thrashing by Tottenham. Livid supporters started streaming out of St. Mary's Stadium as Spurs raced into a 4-0 lead inside the opening 24 minutes on a dismal night for Martin and his players.
The 38-year-old has now paid the price for a horrible, error-strewn start to the Premier League season. He oversaw a successful Championship play-off-winning campaign last season but has been unable to achieve positive results since promotion.
Southampton are bottom of the table with only one win from their first 16 matches. Martin has been dismissed three days before a crunch Carabao Cup quarter-final against Liverpool. Under-21s boss Simon Rusk will take temporary charge until a successor is appointed.
A club statement read: “We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our men’s first team manager, Russell Martin.
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“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.
“Current Under-21s Manager Simon Rusk will take charge of 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 our young players are making and are confident this will 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 are witnessing first-hand the significant gap between the Championship and the Premier League, but your understanding and passion, even when results have not been what we all want, continue to drive our long-term commitment to the club.”
Martin becomes the fourth Premier League manager to be sacked this season and the second this weekend. His exit follows Wolves parting ways with Gary O'Neil following their 2-1 defeat against Ipswich on Saturday.
