Southampton have sacked supervisor Russell Martin after a 5-0 thrashing by Tottenham on Sunday left them 9 factors off Premier League security.
Martin, 38, guided the Saints to promotion final yr in his first season in cost, beating Leeds United within the play-off remaining at Wembley.
However the loss in opposition to Spurs was Southampton’s thirteenth within the league this marketing campaign from 16 video games.
Their solely win this season was in opposition to Everton in November, whereas the St Mary’s membership have scored a league-low 11 objectives.
“Going into the beginning of the season, all of us knew the challenges that we’d face this yr as we readjusted to life within the high flight, competing in the perfect and best league on the earth,” mentioned a Southampton assertion.
“Nonetheless, the fact of our state of affairs is obvious. The board have supported Russell and his employees and been open and clear relating to our expectations.
“We’ve all been on the identical web page in recognising the urgency of needing outcomes to enhance.
“We wish to take this chance to thank Russell and his employees for all of the arduous work and dedication they’ve given the membership on and off the pitch over the past 18 months.
“Everybody linked with Southampton FC will at all times have unbelievable recollections of final season, particularly the play-off remaining win in Might.”
Southampton Below-21s supervisor Simon Rusk will take interim cost of the senior aspect and his first sport will likely be a Carabao Cup quarter-final at dwelling to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday.
Martin’s dismissal comes on the identical day as fellow top-flight strugglers Wolves determined to sack supervisor Gary O’Neil.
