Russell Martin Linked with Shock Return to Southampton After Will Still Sacking
Russell Martin is reportedly in line for a dramatic return to Southampton following the club’s decision to sack Will Stilljust 13 games into the season.
The Championship side confirmed Still’s departure on Sunday night with the Saints languishing in 21st place, having managed only four wins since his appointment from Lens during the summer.
According to sources, Southampton plan to open talks with their former manager Martin, 39, about a possible comeback to St Mary’s Stadium, 11 months after his exit.
Martin remains one of the front-runners for the vacancy, having previously guided Southampton back to the Premier League during his first spell in charge. His side famously earned promotion with a 1–0 victory over Leeds United in the 2024 play-off final.
Since leaving the south coast club, Martin spent a brief spell at Rangers, but was dismissed after just 123 daysfollowing a poor start to the campaign. His final match came in a 1–1 draw with Falkirk in October, leaving the Gers in the bottom half of the Scottish Premiership.
Although Martin’s possession-based philosophy drew criticism during his tenures at both Rangers and Southampton, many within the Saints hierarchy still hold him in high regard for the stability and promotion he previously brought to the club.
Southampton endured a difficult 2024–25 Premier League campaign under Martin, winning only once in 16 matchesbefore his dismissal in December 2024. The team was eventually relegated back to the Championship with seven games remaining that season.
Now, with another managerial vacancy and their promotion hopes fading fast, Southampton could once again turn to Martin to revive their season and restore belief at St Mary’s.
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