Southampton could turn to former assistant as next manager as Russell Martin is sacked

Southampton could turn to Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl to be Russell Martin’s permanent successor, talkSPORT understands.

Saints sacked Martin as manager after their 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Sunday night.

The south coast club are bottom of the Premier League with five points from 16 games, nine points off safety.

Under-21s boss Simon Rusk will take interim charge while the search for a new permanent manager goes on.

German Rohl is a contender for the job having worked as an assistant to Ralph Hasenhuttl at St Mary’s and talkSPORT understands Rohl has backers on the Southampton board.

Rohl has been in charge of Wednesday since October 2023 and managed to steer them away from the Championship’s relegation zone after a tough start to life at Hillsborough.

In contrast, Wednesday are in the promotion hunt this this term as they sit ninth in the table, five points off a play-off spot.

The 35-year-old has also worked as a coach at RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich as well as serving as assistant manager for the German national team under Hansi Flick.

Confirming Martin’s departure, Southampton said in a 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.”

Martin was forced to listen to a barrage of derogatory chants from his own fans throughout the 90 minutes at St Mary’s after they suffered a 13th defeat out of 16 Premier League matches this season.

James Maddison opened the scoring for Spurs after 36 seconds and when Heung-min Son made it two in the 12th minute, the Saints faithful turned on their under-fire head coach.

Chants of, ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ followed Dejan Kulusevski’s 14th-minute effort before Pape Sarr made it 4-0 midway through the first half.

Martin actually missed Maddison’s second in first-half stoppage-time after he headed for the tunnel a minute early and while the hosts’ did not concede again, the 38-year-old could not hide his disappointment at full time.

Asked if he expected the fans to get their wish of him leaving, 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.

“The fans have been amazing for us since we’ve been here since day one. I understand the frustration. I understand the modern world of football and what it is, what it is about. Apart from that, no real response.

“When I put my ego into it as a manager, it hurts a lot because we work so hard every single day, but it’s not personal. I don’t know them, they don’t know me.

“It’s a criticism of the job I am doing. I understand. I don’t think you can criticise a person when you don’t know them, so it’s a criticism of the job I am doing.

“Of course that hurts because we work so hard, but I think you have to accept it is part and parcel of football – it is what it is.”

The club has decided to pull the trigger on Martin, however, with relegation back to the Championship appearing inevitable.

Martin, who had previously managed the MK Dons and Swansea, got the St Mary’s job in the summer of 2023 following their relegation from the top flight.

He guided them back to the Premier League via the play-offs, with Saints beating Leeds 1-0 in the final at Wembley in May.

But any joy from their Wembley day out has failed to transfer into this season with Southampton winning just once in the league this season.

Their next league outing sees them take on Fulham at Craven Cottage, however, they first welcome Liverpool to St Mary’s in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.