Southampton continue their search for a new manager after the sacking of Will Still, with the Saints' top manager target open to St Mary's talks.
Despite only arriving in the summer, Still has been relieved of his duties at St Mary's Stadium, with last weekend's 2-0 defeat at home to Preston North End leaving them 21st in the Championship table. Southampton Group Technical Director, Johannes Spors, discussed the exit of the 33-year-old, thanking him for his efforts in recent months.
"Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results. Ultimately that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked.
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"By making a change now we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table. I would like to thank Will, Ruben, Clement and Carl for their efforts and wish them well for the future."
It's now a case of Southampton nailing Still's successor at the club, with former manager Russell Martin linked with a return to the club, following a disappointing time in charge of Rangers, recently being sacked.
Southampton eyeing Martin to replace Still with Championship rivals also keen
Martin keen on sealing Southampton return
According to TEAMtalk, Martin is now Southampton's top target to take over from Still, making a quick fire return to St Mary's in the process.
The report states that the 39-year-old is "open to a conversation about returning" to the club, but he is "not the only name in the frame" currently. Michael Carrick and Brendan Rodgers are also mentioned as options, with the pair both out of work after recent stints at Middlesbrough and Celtic, respectively.
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Southampton fans are sure to be split over who they want the next manager to be, especially when it comes to Martin, whose tactics divided opinion during his time in charge first time around.
His risk-taking style of play from the back isn't for everyone, but that said, Pep Guardiola spoke glowingly about his approach and Saints team after his Manchester City side faced them last year.
"When I see the opponent do the things I like to do with my team and they do it really well, I make a compliment. I'm sure I will learn, there were some movements, the reasons why they do things, the movements they make to link to the striker. It's not easy."
Martin guided Southampton into the Premier League from the Championship in the past, showing that he knows how to thrive in the division, and there is some sense in sealing a return, in terms of how well he knows the club.
Then again, going with a different option would represent a fresh approach, with both Carrick and Rodgers talented managers who could also shine.