Southampton Dismiss Manager Russell Martin Following 5-0 Defeat

Southampton, currently struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, have made the tough decision to part ways with manager Russell Martin following a humiliating 5-0 loss to Tottenham. The club, who have only managed one win in their last 16 games, expressed their regret in a statement announcing the decision. Promoted just last season, Southampton find themselves nine points adrift of safety in the league standings. "We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our men's first team manager Russell Martin," the club stated.

"Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted 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 have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve."

Current Under-21s boss Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is announced.

Southampton conceded five first-half goals to Tottenham in the Sunday evening kick-off.

"I was hurt in the first half," Martin told TNT Sports after the match. "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."

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Speaking about his future, the 38-year-old former Scotland international said: "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."

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)