Southampton finally CONFIRM their new manager months after Nathan Jones was sacked in a brutal season that saw them relegated
SOUTHAMPTON have announced former Swansea manager Russell Martin as their new manager.
The 37-year-old has signed a three-year contract with St Mary’s, replacing Nathan Jones, who was sacked in February.
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Jones, 50, was relieved of his duties after just 14 games as manager, with Ruben Selles initially stepping in as interim manager until the end of the season.
With Selles unable to continue on a full-time basis, Martin is now filling Jones’ vacant role.
Known for his bold, possession-based style of play, Martin led Swansea to tenth in the Championship last season.
He spent two seasons at Liberty Stadium after leaving MK Dons to take the South Wales role.
Upon arriving at St Mary’s, Martin said: “It’s a privilege to accept this opportunity at Southampton, a club with such a long and rich history.”
“My goal is to get this club back to where it belongs – in the top flight of English football.”
“I am ready for this challenge and I will do everything to achieve this goal and to offer the fans a team that makes them proud.”
“I’m very happy to be here and can’t wait for the work to start.”
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Director of Football Jason Wilcox added: “Russell has shown fantastic qualities in his managerial career to date and is someone who we believe will thrive in the great environment that we have here in Southampton.”
“He is a fantastic fit for what we want to achieve with a strong track record of developing and nurturing young talented players to fulfill their potential and deliver results on the pitch.”
“We can’t wait for Russell to work with the Staplewood team as we prepare for the new season.”
Martin will lead Southampton into their first championship season since the 2011/12 season.
Their 11-year tenure in the Premier League came to an end after a disappointing season in which they finished bottom on 25 points.
The Saints won just six Prem games all season, with two of those triumphs coming under Jones’ predecessor Ralph Hasenhuttl, who was fired before the World Cup.
Swansea, meanwhile, are approaching Barnsley manager Michael Duff as a replacement for Martin.
Duff, 45, guided the Tykes to fourth place in League One last season and guided previous club Cheltenham to promotion from League Two.
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