Southampton

Ray Hunt
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Sport Republic pulled the trigger on Russell Martin on Sunday night. The final straw, and embarrassing 5-0 home defeat by Tottenham, leaving us eight points from safety with one win in 16.

In 17 months at the helm, he amassed 34 wins from his 73 games, all but one of those coming in last season's promotion-winning campaign.

His playing style had come under heavy scrutiny since our return to the top flight, as had his ability to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League.

And the stats are damning. Saints rank 20th in goals scored, shots on target, chances created, ball recoveries and errors leading to shots and goals.

The change is not really a surprise but, maybe, it should have been made sooner. Last season's success earned him more time, but the majority of fans believe it is too little, too late.

Under-21s boss Simon Rusk will take temporary charge and oversee Wednesday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.

The big question is: who is next in the dugout?

Favourites range from Rafael Benitez, Graham Potter, David Moyes, Carlos Corberan and a return of Danny Rohl, who previously worked under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Whoever takes this on has an almighty challenge on their hands. No team has survived the drop from this position previously, so it has to be considered a poisoned chalice.

No-one will want a relegation on their CV. Appointing a manager with no experience at this level will be another step backwards.

Benitez, Potter and Moyes are tried and tested, but may be out of our reach.

Over to you, Sport Republic.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell Martin for giving us a season we will never forget and one of the club's greatest days at Wembley. All the very best.

Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast, external

BBC Radio Solent are doing a Southampton special to discuss the sacking of Russell Martin on Monday.

Tune into the hour-long show from 18:00 GMT on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on Russell Martin, who has been dismissed by Southampton after Sunday's defeat to Tottenham.

Here are some of your comments:

Noel: Best outcome. Martin was completely out of his depth and too arrogant to change the tactics. Please bring in a Premier League manager with the strength to kick a few butts and have a plan B. My choice is Graham Potter.

Chris: The sacking of Martin was as inevitable as it is pointless. Just more money (that we don't have) down the drain. He's proved that he can get us promoted. Should've saved the money, planned for next season and then sack him at the end of next season, regardless of whether we get promoted or not.

Ian: The lack of quality in the squad wasn't down to Martin, but his inability to recognise that they couldn't successfully execute his way of playing certainly was.

Tony: Should have done it weeks ago. Only someone like big Sam or Tony Pulis has any chance of saving us now.

Paul: Deluded board at Southampton. I can't see the point of sacking Martin at this stage of the season. Who in their right mind will want the job now?

Charles: I think it's a bit late to stop relegation but perhaps give Gary O'Neil the job until the end of the season because he has a point to prove - unlike David Moyes who has had his time.

Highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.

Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Liverpool 2-2 Fulham

• Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa

• Brighton 1-3 Crystal Palace

• Man City 1-2 Man Utd

Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

No-one likes losing - but being five goals down before half-time is something Southampton fans have seen before.

In fact, this was the fourth time in Premier League history Saints have conceded five inside 45 minutes. No other team has experienced it more than once.

Russell Martin has been under the microscope all season for his refusal to compromise on his principles as Saints sank to the bottom of the table - and stayed there.

After this game, he accepted the "modern world" reality that not getting results means the manager comes under pressure.

He also said he understands the fan frustration, clearly evident in that devastating first half. To their credit though, Saints supporters showed great resilience in the second half as they refused to give up on their team.

The club's hierarchy have given up on Martin though, dismissing him within two hours of the final whistle.

On the day relegation rivals Wolves pulled the trigger on Gary O'Neil, Southampton have sent packing the man who got them promoted at the first time of asking.

Only four teams have survived when bottom of the Premier League at Christmas. This result guarantees that whoever succeeds Martin will have to add their name to that list if they are to stay up.

Russell Martin has been sacked as Southampton manager following their 5-0 loss to Tottenham.

After guiding the Saints to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs last season, he leaves the club bottom of the table on five points after 16 games.

We had initially asked you for thoughts on the defeat but with news events overtaking us, we would prefer your views on Martin's departure.

Was it the right time or did he deserve the chance to turn it around?

And who would you like to see the club bring in as his replacement?

Let us know here

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton forward Adam Armstrong speaking to TNT Sports following their defeat: "It's a tough one to take. At this level you get cut open quite easily and we got punished straight away. It's hard to put into words really. We weren't good enough, it's as simple as that. You try and get the group going again at half-time. We gave everything when we came out second-half but it's just one of those nights - not good enough."

On what went wrong: "We just got punished in the wrong moments. When to press and when not to. They cut us open a few times and the first goal was 40/50 seconds which just isn't good enough at this level. We've seen how brutal this league is and once you're cut open it's just hard to stop them. I've got nothing else to say really it just wasn't good enough from all of us.

On whether there was enough instruction from the bench: "We were there to do a job and we set up to do a job. It was just one of those nights it just didn't go our away. The lads gave everything throughout the second-half. I'm lost for words. It's a tough one because you can't start that bad in any sport and we got punished."

On whether the confidence has taken a hit: "You could say that. It's not easy when you're bottom of the Premier League. Confidence comes from wins and that's something we're not doing at the minute. I can't fault the lads, we give it everything every day to earn why we should be here. We don't want to take it for granted. We work hard every day and nights like tonight we got punished.

"I've said in previous interviews the Premier League is the best in the world and when you're coming up against these teams it's tough. I've got nothing else to say it's a tough one for me and the team. We have to move forward and take everyday as it comes."

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton boss Russell Martin speaking to TNT Sports after today's loss: "I was hurt in the first half. We did not respond very well to the setbacks as a group. We have seen that all too often this season. After the first goal, our response was very poor.

"It's most disappointing because we had worked on a plan. We had a week's training and the players have been part of that process. But we did not carry out anywhere near the intensity or aggression we needed. I didn't recognise our team in the first half. But I am pleased they stuck out in the second half.

"At this point, it is about pride and showing some care for each other."

On the fans: "They were amazing in the second half. Really good."

On whether he was hurt by the boos: "As a person, no. Because I understand that it's not personal. But as a manager, yes. It hurts me as well as the team. But I also understand it."

On future: "We have no choice but to keep working and fighting. It's what I have been doing in this job and I will continue doing it until I am told not to."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Southampton’s performance

What did you make of Tottenham’s display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Read the report and follow reaction

There are two Premier League games kicking off at the unusual time of 19:00 GMT on Sunday, and we will bring you all the key moments from both.

• Chelsea v Brentford

• Southampton v Tottenham

Follow all the action and reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 16, he takes on darts star Stephen Bunting, who is a Liverpool fan.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

This should be a great game of football.

It is one for the purists really, because Southampton will play their defined style under Russell Martin and Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham will definitely do the same.

Both managers have been criticised recently and some of the stuff written and said about Postecoglou, after Spurs lost to Chelsea, was staggering, although it is the same after every defeat.

As I said on the Monday Night Club, on their day, Spurs are the best team to watch in the Premier League, but they are just patchy.

They should get over the line here though, because Southampton have bigger problems.

It looks like Saints are going to get relegated, but I hope they see the bigger picture when it comes to Martin.

For starters, he got them promoted, which wasn't an easy job. Keeping them up was always going to be even harder but, because Southampton have had a pretty recent spell of doing OK in the Premier League, their fans think they should be doing much better.

It was a similar story with Leicester City under Steve Cooper, where expectations were unrealistic. He got the sack but I hope Saints stick with Martin because. with a bit of patience. they could come back stronger.

Bunting's prediction: 0-2

Tottenham have been terrible but Southampton keep losing. I think they are going down, aren't they?

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton defender Nathan Wood has been speaking to BBC Radio Solent about making his Premier League debut for the club earlier this month.

Following his summer move from Championship side Swansea City, Wood waited until 4 December for his first Premier League appearance for Saints.

He has started the past two Premier League games against Chelsea and Aston Villa, and hopes to keep his place against Tottenham on Sunday.

Wood said: "Personally it's been nice to play my first two games in the Premier League, but it's still disappointing that we haven't taken any points from those two games. We'll be looking to put that right.

"I want to play every game, I've trained hard this week and hopefully I get to prove myself again."

Southampton are bottom of the table with five points from their first 15 games, leading to pressure on boss Russell Martin.

But Wood said he has the full backing of the squad, adding: "You can see it in the lads and the way we play, we're doing what he wants us to do and we're working hard for each other. That shows that we back the manager.

"From our perspective, we've got a bunch of lads that are going to give everything every time we step on the pitch. We'll give everything, no matter what."

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton manager Russell Martin has provided an update on contract negotiations with teenager Tyler Dibling.

The 18-year-old winger has been one of Saints' star performers in the Premier League this season.

Martin said: "There is an option that we can extend and I don't think we want to do that because we want to reward Tyler for his performances [by offering new terms].

"I've spoken to Tyler's mum and dad about it, and I've spoken to Tyler, but then I'm not involved in any negotiations. It's down to Phil [Parsons, Southampton chief executive], the owners and Tyler's agent, and I think that's where it gets tricky.

"We have offered what I believe is a very good contract for someone of his age, but at the moment I don't think his agent agrees, so that's where we're at.

"Tyler wants it done, his parents want it done, so we'll see how long that takes."

Some media reports have linked Dibling with a move away from St Mary's, but Martin said: "I was told about some rumours of Manchester United wanting to bid £21m. I'm not sure they'd get his left foot for that."

Image source, Getty Images

The staff at Southampton are trying to help restore the confidence of the players after such a difficult start, says boss Russell Martin.

Saints sit bottom of the Premier League table on five points, which Martin called "incredibly hurtful and embarrassing" ahead of Sunday's home game against Tottenham.

"The biggest job is to eliminate the external noise - but it is so difficult," said Martin. "Maybe at times we are the only voices telling them that they are good enough.

"Even family members will question them. I have been there as a player. Agents, supporters obviously, media pundits - everyone questions if you are good enough or not good enough.

"It is about being able to switch that off and zoom in and focus on what is really important.

"We are trying to do as well as we can with our lads."

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Southampton boss Russell Martin has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Tottenham at St Mary's Stadium (kick-off 19:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Centre-back Jan Bednarek and striker Paul Onuachu are both available for Sunday's game. Goalkeeper Alex McCarthy is also fit enough to return, while Aaron Ramsdale could feature against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup next Wednesday.

• Martin is hopeful Onuachu will help the Saints "moving forwards" as he "gives a real alternative option that's different to anyone in the squad and most people in the league."

• Martin addressed Southampton's league position, saying: "It is incredibly hurtful and embarrassing to be on five points."

• He also insisted Saints should have won more points.

• On how he hopes to turn around Saints' fortunes: "We are not far away and we have to just keep working, keep concentrating on the process and ourselves and just keep trying to be better."

• On why Southampton have not done as well as he hoped: "There have been a few too many mistakes and a few too many moments that we haven't managed well" but his side "are growing and getting better."

• On helping to restore players' confidence: "The biggest job is to eliminate the external noise - it is so difficult. Maybe at times we are the only voices telling them that they are good enough. It is about being able to switch that off and zoom in and focus on what is really important."

• Martin has a lot of respect for Tottenham counterpart Ange Postecoglou's brave aggressive tactics and his refusal to compromise: "I get criticised for the same thing, about being stubborn and all that stuff, but if you believe in something and it's taken you a certain way in life then to deviate too far from that is crazy."

• More on his shared style of play with Postecoglou: "People only criticise the ones who are a little bit different from the norm. So if we all believe the same thing that would be pretty boring, but we would be less open to criticism."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on what was the one thing - good or bad - that no one is talking about Southampton.

Here are some of your comments:

Ben: Aside from Russell Martin's refusal to adapt his tactics, absolute key to poor performance in the Premier League has been poor recruitment, especially in the last third. Sport Republic, the club owners, have rolled the dice on players who 'may' come good, or young unproven players that could show a good return on investment if they continued their improvement from youth level. Although the owner has invested in players in the striking department, all of them are totally unproven and the goal stats do not lie. We just don't finish chances. A more prudent strategy would have been to recruit one decent proven striker instead of a handful of strikers that are not fit for purpose.

Ceri: The owners! Their strategy is clearly at fault. If these owners persist in buying many poor quality players, instead of spending money on one or two decent players, we will continue to be a yo-yo club.

Ethan: No one talks about how good Flynn Downes has been this season and in general for us. He is consistent and covers so much ground. We would probably be on even fewer points without him.

Ross: Why did we let Carlos Alcaraz go? I know he is imperfect, but he is a creative influence, and added a bit of nastiness into the midfield, which we solely lack. Big Paul Onuachu is supposedly not a fit with Martins style, but he's looked like he could work too.

Michael: All the talk this season is about sacking Russell Martin, but no-one is talking about that 25 game unbeaten run we went on last season! Not to mention the fact Martin got us promoted at the first attempt. Yes, we've made our worst start to a Premier League season under him, but he also holds the record for longest unbeaten run in the club's history! Let's not forgot that!

Owen: The lack of accountability from the players. As an example, 'that goal' against Liverpool where McCarthy rolled it out quick. I get the manager is asking them to play a certain way, but he's an experienced player with nearly 15 years in the Championship and Premier League. Why doesn't he know that's a moment to take a breath, slow it down, reset? Not good enough from our experienced squad members.