Wayne Veysey

Mon 21 October 2024 11:53, UK

Russell Martin is on the brink of being sacked by Southampton after his team’s calamitous collapse against Leicester City, sources have told Football Insider.

The Premier League club have compiled a shortlist of potential new managers and are believed to have a contingency plan in place in case they dismiss Martin.

The manager has remained bullish about his position and claimed after the 3-2 defeat to Leicester that he held positive talks with owner Dragan Solak last Friday.

“I had a brilliant chat with Dragan and the guys at a scheduled board meeting yesterday, so no [I don’t feel under pressure],” he said.

However, some at Southampton believe the writing is on the wall for Martin even if he remains in the dugout for next week’s trip to Man City before decisive Premier League games against Everton and Wolves. 

Russell Martin is on the brink at Southampton

Saints are 19th in the Premier League with just one point from eight matches this season and are now on an unwanted club record 21 matches in the top tier without a win.

Football Insider revealed that Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace is being eyed up as a possible replacement for Martin at a time when his reputation is being enhanced in the Championship.

Sources have told Football Insider that Martin is expected to be sacked if Southampton’s horrendous run continues into November.

Football Insider previously revealed that Martin has been fighting for his job since the start of last month amid growing pressure from the club hierarchy.

Directors in Southampton’s boardroom have wanted Martin to adopt a more pragmatic style rather than just stick rigidly to his preferred more expansive system.

In other news, Kyle Walker-Peters: Southampton update from top source after new talks.

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