Will Saints stick or twist with Martin?

Is the writing on the wall for Russell Martin?

As fans, we feel it is just a question of when. But will Sport Republic stick and give him another chance in the Championship, as relegation seems likely, or twist in an attempt to salvage something from this dreadful start?

During our ill-fated 2022-23 campaign, we had amassed 12 points at this same stage - a period that included wins at Leicester and Bournemouth, and at home against Chelsea.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl was sent packing in early November following the slow start, and our 11-year stay in the top flight came to an end.

Fast forward two years, and things appear even worse. One win from 15. Five points and propping up the table. A position from which no club has survived before.

Saturday's defeat by Aston Villa left Saints with just one point on the road - a record that now extends to 15 top-flight away games.

We have made 10 mistakes leading directly to goals and are in danger of breaking Derby County's 2007-08 unwanted record of 11 total points.

Still, Sport Republic is yet to pull the trigger or even address the situation.

Is it as easy to just replace the manager?

You can draw more parallels with that relegation season. The much-loved Hasenhuttl departed and was replaced by Nathan Jones, who himself lasted only 14 games. If we were doomed for relegation anyway, why not stick with Ralph at the helm. Replacing the manager now seems futile.

There is also the question of who could come in. It does not appear an attractive position for any manager right now. Do we really need another Nathan Jones situation?

It does appear more likely that Sport Republic are looking ahead to next season. Sticking with Martin and saving some money in the meantime. Not willing to make the same mistakes.

But it leaves the fans with five more months of misery before preparing for another season in the Championship.

It is hard work supporting this club.

Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast