Southampton have parted ways with manager Russell Martin following a crushing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, which left the club nine points adrift of Premier League safety.

Martin, 38, had led the Saints to promotion last season, securing a memorable play-off final victory against Leeds United at Wembley. However, Southampton have struggled in the top flight, recording just one win in 16 games this season—a 1-0 victory over Everton in November—and scoring a league-low 11 goals.

“Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges of readjusting to life in the top flight,” the club said in a statement. “However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff but recognized the urgency of needing results to improve.”

The club thanked Martin for his efforts over the past 18 months, particularly for the promotion campaign, describing the play-off victory as a “fantastic memory.”

Southampton Under-21s manager Simon Rusk will take interim charge, starting with a Carabao Cup quarter-final against league leaders Liverpool on Wednesday.

Martin’s dismissal coincided with Wolves sacking their manager, Gary O’Neil, highlighting a turbulent day for struggling Premier League clubs.