Southampton player told to quit St Mary’s with Russell Martin “lack of trust” evident | OneFootball

Adrian Clarke believes Joe Lumley should be seeking a move away from Southampton this summer.

The goalkeeper has been well down the pecking order at the Saints this year, having been unable to break into Russell Martin’s side.

The 29-year-old signed for the Hampshire outfit last summer as a second-choice option behind Gavin Bazunu.

However, despite the Irishman receiving criticism from supporters, Martin has backed the youngster to remain between the sticks.

And Lumley now finds himself behind Alex McCarthy in the squad’s hierarchy after the veteran shot-stopper was selected for Tuesday night’s win over Preston North End.

Clarke believes Lumley should be handing in a transfer request after being snubbed by Martin midweek.

Bazunu had to be replaced prior to kick-off due to an injury, with McCarthy chosen by the Southampton boss despite not initially being included in the matchday squad.

“If I’m Lumley, transfer request has gone in already,” said Clarke, via the What the EFL?! podcast.

“It’s an obvious lack of trust.

“How can you work with a manager that does that to you? It feels too harsh.”

Russell Martin gives Joe Lumley exclusion explanation

Martin explained his decision to choose McCarthy following the important 3-0 win at St. Mary’s.

The 38-year-old suggested there is no hierarchy behind Bazunu for who is number two, and that Lumley and McCarthy will both be competing for game time this weekend against Cardiff City.

“I think I’ve said to the goalies of the season, I don’t really see it the same as any other position on the pitch,” said Martin, via the Daily Echo.

“I think there’s this thing in England and maybe in football in general, you need to have a nailed number one or two.

“But maybe it’s just deemed a bit different from the outside. I haven’t had a chance to explain to Joe properly the decision.

“I’m sure he’ll be very annoyed and frustrated and hurt but we will chat to him and explain to him why.

“Then how he reacts to that is his choice and we’ll see for Saturday if he’s going to play or not.”

Lumley’s contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, having only arrived on a one-year deal.

The decision to play McCarthy could impact whether the 29-year-old remains at the club beyond this season or not.

He has featured four times for the Saints this campaign, with each of those appearances coming in the FA Cup.

With Bazunu out for the remainder of the term, Lumley will now have four chances to earn game time in the Championship as the team chases promotion to the Premier League.

Lumley’s future is away from Southampton

It seems unlikely that Lumley will be retained at Southampton beyond this season following the decision to play McCarthy.

It will be interesting to see if Martin does rotate his keepers in the final few games, or if he sticks with McCarthy until the end of the campaign.

Lumley was always likely to be second choice when he signed for the Saints given Bazunu’s standing in the squad.