Premier League manager receives honorary degree

Russell Martin set up the Russell Martin Foundation in 2017, with the aim of using the power of football to change lives

A Premier League manager will receive an honorary university degree from the Sussex city that he was born and grew up in.

Russell Martin, who got Southampton promoted in the 2023/24 season, will collect his award from the University of Brighton later today.

He has been awarded it in recognition of his work to improve the lives of young people in Brighton & Hove.

Martin set up the Russell Martin Foundation (RMF) in 2017, with the aim of using the power of football to change lives.

The RMF is now supported by Brighton & Hove City Council and works with 10 secondary schools in the city and 40 schools across Sussex to identify and support young people who need respite from mainstream education.

The foundation also works with the Extra Time Project and people who may struggle in mainstream education.

People can go to the foundation for 12 to 16 weeks to get back on track with their education and self-esteem before "it is too late".

Russell Martin got Southampton promoted to the Premier League in the 2023/24 season

Martin, who attended Varndean School, said: “The Foundation has grown exponentially since 2017.

“I'm incredibly grateful and it is a real honour. I still live in Brighton and my kids go to school here, so I'm delighted.

“I did the rounds playing grassroots football in Sussex so it feels a full circle moment.

“I'm looking forward to a trip to the Amex to play Brighton this season, even though I might get abused as I'll be with the away team. I hope it goes better than when I lost 5-0 there!"

As well as managing Southampton, Martin has also managed MK Dons and Swansea.

In his playing career, he represented Lewes, Wycombe Wanderers, Peterborough United, Norwich City, Rangers, Walsall and MK Dons.

He was also capped 29 times by Scotland at international level.

Prof Debra Humphris CBE, vice-chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: “Russell’s work in Brighton has delivered a truly lasting impact, channelling the power of football to change lives for the better.

“I couldn’t be more pleased to present him with this award on behalf of our university and our city.”