Southampton announce Russell Martin as their new manager | OneFootball

Southampton have announced that they have appointed Russell Martin as their new manager.

The 37-year-old has left his position at Swansea City to take over the Saints, signing a three-year deal with the club.

He had already agreed to become their new boss last month but there was a delay in his appointment due to their negotiations over compensation.

However, the issue has now been resolved and the Hampshire outfit have confirmed the former Scotland international as their manager.

Martin said: “It’s a privilege to accept this opportunity at Southampton, a club with such a long and rich history. 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.”

Southampton dropped down to the second tier after finishing bottom of the Premier League table last season.

They had three different managers in Ralph Hasenhuttl, Nathan Jones and Ruben Selles, but still failed to maintain their top-flight status.

The Saints reportedly looked at Sunderland’s Tony Mowbray, Luton Town boss Rob Edwards and Plymouth Argyle’s Steven Schumacher.

But they have handed Martin the responsibility of returning them to the Premier League.

The former Norwich City player joined the Swans in August 2021 and led them to a 15th-place finish in the Championship in his debut season.

He took them to 10th in the standings last term, missing out on a play-off berth by three points.

Southampton are eager to implement a possession-based style, and the English manager fits the bill.