Southampton have dismissed manager Russell Martin following a crushing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, which left the club nine points adrift of Premier League safety.
The 38-year-old led the Saints to promotion last season in his debut campaign, securing victory over Leeds United in the play-off final at Wembley.
However, the heavy loss to Spurs marked Southampton’s 13th league defeat this season out of 16 matches played.
The club’s sole victory this campaign came against Everton in November, with Southampton struggling offensively, registering a league-low 11 goals.
“Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world,” said a Southampton statement.
“However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations.
“We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months.
“Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the play-off final win in May.”
Southampton Under-21s manager Simon Rusk has been appointed as interim head coach of the senior team, with his first task being a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool at St. Mary’s on Wednesday.
Russell Martin’s dismissal coincided with another managerial change in the Premier League, as Wolves parted ways with Gary O’Neil earlier on the same day.
Southampton exposed in Premier League
Southampton found themselves trailing 5-0 to Tottenham by halftime, prompting frustration from home fans, who directed their anger toward both manager Russell Martin and the club’s owners, Sport Republic.
Despite securing nine permanent signings during the summer, the Saints’ squad has struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, grappling with a lack of goals and a fragile defence.
“This is a very precarious job,” said Martin after the game. “I can’t sit here after losing 5-0, being bottom of the table and pretend I’m feeling confident about my job.
“I’ve no choice but to work and to fight. That’s all I’ve done in this job and I’ll continue to do that until I am told otherwise.”
No team has ever had five points or fewer at this stage of a Premier League campaign and avoided relegation.
Martin has refused to compromise on his possession-based passing principles but it has not worked as:
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Only four teams have had a worse goal difference after 16 Premier League matches of a campaign than Southampton’s -25
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Southampton have had more errors leading to goals than anyone else this season (10) and more mistakes leading to shots than any other side (26)
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Saints have faced 108 shots on target this season – the most in the Premier League
Southampton’s next league game will be a trip to Fulham before they host West Ham and travel to Crystal Palace before the end of the year.
“They have imploded a lot,” BBC Sport pundit Danny Murphy told Match of the Day 2.
“Football is ruthless and when you are at the bottom and the hierarchy and supporters want to stay up, you are going to get moved on. Someone else is going to come in and have a hell of a job but I think it’s too late.”
He added: “You have to be more flexible than he [Martin] was. Ultimately, in the Premier League if your recruitment isn’t very good and you don’t have a lot of Premier League experience, you are going to struggle and that is what happened.”
Southampton fans held up a banner at the game against Spurs which read: “RM: Get out of our club!”
“It is harsh seeing the Russell Martin banner. Not long ago he got them up and was a hero,” former Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given told MOTD2. “The Premier League is a big step up from the Championship.”