By Paul Jones
Danny Rohl has emerged as the early favourite to replace Southampton manager Russell Martin after the former Swansea City boss was sacked on Sunday night.
Rohl is currently manager of Sheffield Wednesday, where the 35-year-old German – who was an assistant to former Saints manager Ralph Hassenhuttl – has done an impressive job.
Martin – who left the Swans to take over at Southampton 18 months ago – was dismissed shortly after their 5-0 hammering by Tottenham on Sunday.
The result leaves Saints bottom of the Premier League and nine points adrift of safety.
Under-21s manager Simon Rusk has taken over on an interim basis, starting with the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on Wednesday.
There were audible boos aimed at Martin from Southampton fans during and after Sunday’s match. In response, Martin said in his post-match press conference: “The fans have been amazing for us since we’ve been here from day one.
“I understand the frustration, I also understand the modern world and football and what it is and what it’s about.”
I’ve said it once, so I’ll say it again…
Danny Rohl is the man #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/NT4fJjfGXT
— Rhys⚪️ (@RhysTheSaint) December 15, 2024
Shortly afterwards, though, he added: “As a person, [it doesn’t hurt] very much. But when I put my ego into it as a manager, it hurts a lot because you work so hard every single day.
“Of course, that hurts because we work so hard. But you have to accept it as part and parcel of football and it is what it is.”
Asked if the fans would get their wish, he said: “Not a clue, mate. Not a clue. You’re speaking to the wrong man.
“But it’s not personal; I don’t know them, they don’t know me. So it’s a criticism of the job I’m doing, I understand. I don’t think you can criticise a person when you don’t know them. So it’s a criticism of the job I am doing.”
Martin, appointed in June 2023, led Southampton to promotion via the Championship play-offs, but has overseen just one victory and 13 defeats from 16 games in the Premier League.
Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was a pundit for TNT during the match. At full-time, before the sacking was announced, he said: “I feel very sorry for Martin.
“I think the lads are still trying for him. I don’t think there’s any question of anything on Russell Martin.
“The fans do deserve better and they’re sticking with us, and it’s one we have to move on very quickly ahead of Wednesday.”
An incredibly sad end to what has been, for the most part, an incredibly ecstatic tenure for Russell Martin.
No matter how toxic things get, we will always appreciate what he did for us.
A class act and a likeable bloke, but all good things must come to an end eventually. pic.twitter.com/PnW3tP85n4
— MikeKavs (@SFCMikeKavs) December 15, 2024
Southampton’s statement in full:
“We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to part ways with our men’s first team manager, Russell Martin.
“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.
“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.
“Current U21s manager Simon Rusk will take charge of the team on an interim basis until we announce a permanent replacement.
“Behind the scenes, we are encouraged by the continued development of talent coming through our Academy. We are proud of the contributions our young players are making and are confident this will remain a source of strength and pride for everyone associated with the club.
“We are also deeply grateful for the continued support and positivity shown by our fans. We are witnessing first-hand the significant gap between the Championship and the Premier League, but your understanding and passion, even when results have not been what we all want, continue to drive our long-term commitment to the club.”