Russell Martin on leaving Southampton and what’s next for him, talking live on Sky Sports as a pundit for Monday’s Premier League game.
Saints got rid of him on December 15th last year, after a 5-0 defeat to Tottenham that left the team at the bottom of the Premier League table with just five points from 16 matches.
His departure came after a tenure that began in June 2023, during which he successfully guided Southampton back to the Premier League via the Championship playoffs in May 2024, defeating Leeds 1-0 in the final at Wembley.
Despite this achievement, his possession-based, expansive style of play struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, resulting in only one league win during the 2024-25 season, a 1-0 victory against Everton on November 2nd.
Reflecting on his exit and future plans in comments made on March 10, 2025, Martin expressed a pragmatic yet hopeful outlook. He acknowledged the unlikelihood of an immediate return to Premier League management.
Looking ahead, Martin’s next move remains uncertain. His managerial record, highlighted by five promotions as a player and a play-off triumph as a coach, suggests he could attract interest from Championship clubs or lower-tier Premier League sides seeking a long-term project manager.
Alternatively, his openness to working abroad could see him explore opportunities in leagues where his style might find a better fit.
For now, he appears focused on regrouping and leveraging his experience to eventually return to the top flight, whether through a more pragmatic approach or a new environment suited to his ideals.
“I don’t think I get another Premier League chance right now”
Russell Martin on what’s next for him after leaving Southampton 👇 pic.twitter.com/N8jMDJ20WS
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2025
Russell Martin on what he would tweak if he was to manage in the Premier League again ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/k2RcqMKjm6
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 10, 2025
Speaking about his sacking for the first time on Sky Sports, Martin said: “I’m frustrated I’m not there anymore but now I know the journey must start somewhere else.
“I’m enjoying a break, it’s been for a lot for 20 years. It’s my first break from football in 20 years.
“I think it’s really difficult to balance being a manager, you have to go in with a long-term view and strategy but short-term, game-to-game you have to try and fix problems.
“(You have to) try and make sure that you’re in a job long enough to see out your plans. When I signed a new contract in the summer, I was really hoping (to see it out).
“It’s always tough when you get promoted to the Premier League, it’s tough for any team but I felt we had a lot of young players and we were trying to grow something.
“Am I surprised by it in football? No, not at all. Of course, I’m disappointed but it’s been so much learning. I’ve learned so much so I feel we’ll definitely be better for it.
“I see so many managers and speak to so many coaches who came in to watch us work. After they lose their job, they feel regretful that they changed too much of what they wanted at the very beginning.
“I don’t feel we did that. I have disappointments over maybe making too many changes or adapting too much.
“The biggest challenge for me was convincing everyone they belonged there and without evidence of winning games, that becomes really difficult.”
Every word Russell Martin said on Saints last night here in one place if you missed it, including reflections on his sacking, mistakes made, recruitment assessment, his tactics and more. Nearly 3,000 words.#SaintsFC
— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) March 11, 2025
Martin spoke more when “where we will see him next” and on those Rangers links.
He responded: “I think I am realistic. I don’t think I will get another Premier League chance right now.” Pressed on what he feels the perception of him is right now, he went on: “I think like most managers that come up from the Championship – ‘not quite good enough for the Premier League’.
“It’s maybe unfair on the manager’s that get there at times, because you are there with a squad that has been so successful the year before but isn’t quite ready for the Premier League.
“There is only two managers that have been taken out of the Championship for a long time – Nathan Jones and Graham Potter. The others have to get there and try and stay there and really get success.
“I really don’t know (where is next). I am open to working abroad, in England again – I want to work back in the Premier League now I have got a taste of it.
“I want to get back there and I believe I can, so we will just have to wait and see.”
When asked about a potential style change in his next job after his approach with Southampton was criticised this term: “I think we will play a bit more direct, maybe. We want 100 per cent (possession).”
Twitter users reacted as Russell Martin opens up on leaving Southampton and what’s next for him…
@1CallumStirling: He’s clearly a realist. Back to the championship to prove himself again and hopefully bring another team up.
@connoronthisapp: yeah cause you chose not to adapt mate
@lovatt_adam: Would take him at @RangersFC in a heartbeat- he’s an excellent young manager with a distinct style of football
@NiallO7Brien: Outstanding detail from Russell, could have listened all night 👂 He shouldn’t have a problem getting another club 👏
@Mandrewss03: Good listen on MNF
@Antlfc80: 2+2 finally makes 4!! For fuck sake, no shit. Maybe adapt, just a little. Not that the Saints have picked up points since. Wish him well as a young English coach though
@midz_mb: It’s sad to see because in some games you could see what he was trying to get them to do, but it was too much of an ask unfortunately
@hasfabulous: Was watching MNF last night and really wanted Russell Martin back for next season but woke up this morning to news it’s Adkins birthday now i want him back. Maybe they could work together in the championship and cook with Sugawara, Stewart and Fraser in the team. #saintsfc
@shirleymush: Obvo I love him but unless you’re blinded by resentment, I don’t think you could fail to be impressed by Russell Martin’s analysis last night. Masterful- whatever you think of his philosophy, he knows exactly what it should look like on the pitch. #SaintsFC
@WillParrott_: Watching Russell Martin on MNF last night, and how he speaks with all of his tactical knowledge and clear philosophy really does make me think how differently things could have been if he had a better squad to work with this season #SaintsFC
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