Courtesy: Southampton
As Southampton’s poor show continued in the ongoing 2024-25 season, the club sacked manager Russell Martin after a 0-5 loss against Tottenham in the Premier League at St Mary's Stadium on Monday, December 16. With this loss, Southampton remain at the bottom of the points table in the ongoing Premier League 2024-25. Now, Southampton’s under-21 manager Simon Rusk will take charge as an interim manager for the club after Martin’s departure.
Former Scotland footballer Russell Martin took over as a manager for Southampton in June 2023, and led the club to promotion via the Championship playoffs. However, Southampton haven’t been doing well under his guidance in the ongoing season, and have won just one game in the Premier League 2024-25. Simon Rusk is set to replace Martin for an interim period starting with the EFL Cup quarter final against Liverpool at St. Mary’s Stadium on December 19.
I’ve done nothing but fight in my life: Russell Martin
Russell Martin also received boos from the fans during Southammpton’s loss tarnishing loss against Tottenham at St Mary’s Stadium. The fans were asking for the sacking of former manager following the club's poor run. When asked about this at the post-match press conference, Martin said, “Not a clue, mate. Not a clue. You’re asking the wrong person. I’ve done nothing but fight in my life and my career, so, we’ll keep working and keep fighting until I am told I am not going to any more,” as quoted in Talk Sport.
“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,” Martin further said.
