Southampton have sacked manager Russell Martin after a 5-0 thrashing by Tottenham leaves the Saints bottom of the Premier League and nine points from safety.
Martin has overseen just one league win this season – a 1-0 win over Everton in early November – attracting huge criticism for his steadfast refusal to compromise his possession-first principles.
Southampton’s next game is a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on Wednesday evening, a side who beat them 3-2 in the Premier League three weeks ago.
They then face a favourable run of league fixtures over the Christmas period, with games against Fulham, West Ham and Brentford allowing Martin’s replacement opportunity to bed in if they are appointed in good time.
Under-21s manager Simon Rusk will act as an interim head coach while the club searches for a permanent replacement.
Against Tottenham on Sunday evening, Martin’s side were 3-0 down within 14 minutes, before he substituted forward Kamaldeen Sulemana off for centre-back Nathan Wood shortly after.
Pape Matar Sarr added a fourth 10 minutes later, before Martin prematurely headed down the tunnel for half-time on 45 minutes, missing Spurs’ fifth.
Martin is the second Premier League manager to be sacked this weekend, with the Scot following Wolves boss Gary O’Neil.
West Brom boss Carlos Corberan is among the names linked with the vacant hot seat, as is Graham Potter and Lee Carsley.
In a statement, Southampton said: “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.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months.
“Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the Play-Off Final win in May.”
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