SOUTHAMPTON sacked Russell Martin within an hour of their 5-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Martin, who led the Saints to promotion last season, managed just one win in 16 Premier League games and leaves with the club on just five points.
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No top-flight club has ever beaten relegation from the position Southampton are in.
Fans booed the former Swansea boss – with some even leaving just 26 minutes in at 4-0 down – and held up a banner reading “RM: Get out of our club!”
Asked if he thought he could remain in charge following the Spurs defeat, Martin said: “Not a clue, no. Not a clue. You’re speaking to the wrong man.”
Asked about the fans booing him and his side, Martin added: “I’ve done nothing but fight on in my life and my career so we’ll keep working and keep fighting until I’m told I’m not going to anymore.”
“I have no response really. The fans have been amazing for us since we’ve been here from day one.
“I understand the frustration. I also understand the modern world and football and what it is and what it’s about. So apart from that, I have no real response.”
Martin led Southampton on a club record 25-game unbeaten run on their way to promotion via the Play-Offs last season.
But a stubborn commitment to his risky style of play and poor summer recruitment led to Southampton’s worst start to a season in their history.
FULL SOUTHAMPTON STATEMENT
THE Saints confirmed Russell Martin’s departure on Sunday night with this statement:
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.
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.
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His exit came on the day second-bottom Wolves aced Gary O’Neil.
Southampton owners Sport Republic, who sacked two managers during their last Premier League season, are unlikely to pursue the likes of David Moyes.
SunSport understands a foreign appointment is the most likely outcome at the moment.
Some at the club admire Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl, who worked at the club as an assistant to Ralph Hasenhuttl.
However, it may be a struggle to attract anyone to take the job given Southampton’s current position.
The Saints issued a statement confirming and explaining the “difficult decision” to part with Martin.
Part of it read: “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.”
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