Russell Martin becomes Southampton new boss
The 37 year old Russell Martin, replaces Ruben Selles who left the club after the end of the season. Southampton been in the relegation zone for last season of the premier league.
Russell Martin, managed the Swans club to 10th in the championship in 2022-23, has signed a three year deal at St. Mary’s until 2026.
Martin said, “My aim is to get this club back where it belongs – in the top flight of English football, I am ready for this challenge and will give everything to achieve this aim and to give the supporters a team that makes them proud. “I’m thrilled to be here and cannot wait for the work to begin.”
It was clear that he became Southampton’s boss in May but this move was held up by a dispute over compensation to Swansea. On Russell Martin’s move to southampton club, Michael Duff became new manager of Swans. Ange Postcoglo becomes thottenham Hotspur new boss on the two years contract.
Swansea are understood to be closing in on the appointment of Michael Duff from Barnsely as Martin’s replacement. The players return to pre-season training on Friday. Chelsea’s forward Kai Havertz agrees to join Arsenal for 65 miilion Euros on this summer tranfers.
Saints are a far cry from the club the Dutchman inherited back in 2014. And some distance from where they themselves expected to be after establishing a brief foothold as one of the Premier League’s top-half teams.
A story that got muddled before reaching its fairytale conclusion. Indeed, Southampton’s plight is a bit like a ‘once upon a time’, less the happy ending. A series of pinch points without the comfort of resolution. on the summer transfers, Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan moves to Barcelona on free transfer.
Henrik Kraft statement over the new manager
“Russell was the stand-out candidate throughout our recruitment process,” Southampton chairman Henrik Kraft said.
“We are confident his strong track record, alongside the experienced leadership of our new director of football, Jason Wilcox, will deliver great results.”
“It’s a privilege to accept this opportunity at Southampton, a club with such a long and rich history.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Russell to Southampton. Russell was the stand-out candidate throughout our recruitment process and we are confident his strong track record, alongside the experienced leadership of our new director of football Jason Wilcox will deliver great results.”
Swanes club’s statement
Martin agree to join the Saints from Swansea in May but theyhad talks over compensation between the clubs had become protracted.
“The club stands firm in our belief that we are owed full compensation for Russell, and we will continue working diligently and strategically to protect the best interests of the club.
“Swansea City would like to place on record its thanks to Russell for his work during his time in SA1.
“The club will update supporters regarding a new first-team coaching staff in due course.”
Southampton announced Ruben Selles would leave the club when his contract expired at the end of June. Ruben Selles was appointed until the end of the season following Nathan Jones sacking after just a few months incharge, but could not keep the club in the premier league.
The Spainard said he was keen to get the role on basis and leads Saints in the champions next season, but did not want to work under a new manager.
Southampton are a football club burdened by trouble and strife. It has been that way since their European zenith under Ronald Koeman – an extension of the fine work Mauricio Pochettino had undertaken in the two seasons before his arrival.
