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Russell Martin was fired by Southampton less than two hours after the club’s 5-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
The Saints conceded five goals in the first half at home with a defeat that left the club at the bottom of the Premier League table and nine points from safety.
In a statement, Southampton said it was a “difficult” decision to part ways with Martin, who guided them to promotion to the Championship via the play-offs last season after joining from Swansea.
But Southampton have won just once in 16 games since their return to the top flight and their poor season continued with another horror display at home to Spurs.
Martin remained fiercely committed to his expansive style of play despite Southampton’s efforts, and it was poor again when Spurs took a three-goal lead after 14 minutes.
Some Southampton supporters were seen heading for the exits shortly afterwards and those who remained were heard calling for their manager to be sacked during the first half.
Although Martin later insisted he would “keep fighting” as boss, those Southampton fans got their wish as a statement from the club soon followed.
Southampton said: “We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our first men’s team manager, Russell Martin.
“At the start of the season, we all knew the challenges we would face this year as we adjusted 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 has been supportive of Russell and his staff and has been open and transparent about our expectations.
“We were all on the same page in recognizing the urgency of the need for 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 to the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months.
“Everyone associated with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially winning the play-off final in May.”
Martin is the second Premier League manager to be sacked this weekend Gary O’Neil has been sacked by Wolves with the club in 19th position.
Southampton said under-21 manager Simon Rusk will take charge on an interim basis while the club search for a permanent replacement.
Rask will take charge ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at home to Premier League leaders Liverpool. Southampton then travel to Fulham on Sunday.
Martin actually missed Tottenham’s fifth goal at St Mary’s in first-half stoppage time after heading to the dressing room to settle his team talk earlier.
He appeared defiant when asked if he expected to be sacked after the defeat, replying: “No idea mate. He has no idea. You’re asking the wrong person.
“I’ve done nothing but (fight) in my life and career, so we’re going to keep working and keep fighting until they tell me I don’t want to do it anymore.
“The fans have been fantastic 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 all about. Beyond that, there is no right answer.
“When I put my ego into it as a manager, it hurts a lot because we work so hard every day, but it’s not personal. I don’t know them, they don’t know me.
“It’s a criticism of the work I do. I understand. I don’t think you can criticize a person when you don’t know them, so it’s a criticism of the work I do. Of course it hurts because we work so hard, but I think you have to accept that it’s part and parcel of football – it is what it is.”