Southampton sack manager Russell Martin after 5-0 EPL hammering by Tottenham
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Southampton manager Russell Martin reacts during the match against Tottenham.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – English Premier League basement club Southampton on Dec 15 sacked manager Russell Martin after a 5-0 home drubbing by Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s.
The humiliating defeat, in which Spurs scored five times in the first half, left Southampton on five points from 16 matches, and nine points from safety. Only one team in Premier League history have had fewer points after 16 games of the season – Sheffield United (two in 2020-21).
Martin was the second Premier League manager given the boot on Dec 15, after second-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers parted company with Gary O’Neil.
“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,” a club statement read.
“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.”
Current Under-21s boss Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is announced.
The 38-year-old Martin was booed during his side’s capitulation against Tottenham, and missed the fifth goal as he had already gone to the changing rooms.
He was appointed in June 2023 and guided Southampton to promotion via the play-offs last season, earning plaudits for his side’s attractive style of football.
This season, however, they have been brutally exposed in the top flight, losing 13 of their opening 16 games and seemingly on course for a quick return to the second tier. The Saints’ only win came against Everton at home on Nov 2.
After the defeat by Spurs, English defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis said the players should take the blame.
“(The fans) want to see the team win, so it’s normal. The booing should be on us players and not the manager. He’s not creating the mistakes,” he said.
“It is us on the pitch. But they just want to see the team win. Credit to them, they stuck with us after a first half that wasn’t acceptable.”
Four Premier League managers have been axed this season, with Steve Cooper leaving Leicester City and Dutchman Erik ten Hag being dismissed by Manchester United. REUTERS, AFP
