Southampton Exclusive: ‘Alarm bells ringing’ for Russell Martin
Russell Martin’s future at Southampton is in the air with “alarm bells” ringing after just three league games, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that results will dictate his future regardless of any remaining goodwill from their Championship promotion season.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 4 September that the boss faces the sack by the end of September if he does not turn around the team’s dreadful start to the campaign.
So far this season, Southampton have lost all three of their opening Premier League fixtures, conceding five goals while scoring just one.
Meanwhile, Martin’s style of play has come into question as multiple mistakes while playing out from the back have cost them goals and points.
As a result, sources say some in the boardroom want him to adopt a more pragmatic style to turn around their form after the international break.
However, the boss is adamant he will not change his way of playing regardless of the results his team suffers.
Southampton to decide Russell Martin future as alarm bells ring
Martin led Southampton back to the Premier League at the first time of asking after he took over from Ruben Selles following their relegation in 2023.
His side finished fourth in the Championship before going up via the playoffs, but shipped 63 goals – the third-most amongst teams which finished in the top half of the table.
Upon their return to England’s top division, the club currently sit 19th at the first international break and are yet to pick up their first points.
An opening-day defeat to ten-man Newcastle raised questions about their ability in front of goal, while follow-up defeats against Nottingham Forest and Brentford have led to questions over the manager’s position.
While the board remain keen not to jump into any rash decisions, there is a feeling a call may have to be made sooner rather than later to secure their Premier League position.
Martin signed a three-year contract extension in the summer following their successful promotion campaign, which could make his dismissal pricey for the club.
However, the board are willing to make the call should results fail to pick up and if he is not deemed the right man to keep them in the division.
In other news, Newcastle are set to begin Anthony Gordon contract talks.
For more Southampton and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.