Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is “still in the running” for what would be a stunning return to St Mary’s.
Although Southampton had a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, they were still expected to be serious contenders for immediate promotion from the Championship. After establishing himself with Reims and Lens in Ligue 1, Will Still was named manager of the Saints this summer.
Despite his obvious potential as a manager, Still failed to make things happen in his first job in English football. After winning just two matches out of 13 in the second division, Still was sacked by the club who, at the time, were 21st in the league after three successive defeats.
Working as caretaker boss of the Saints, Tonda Eckert won her first game in charge against Queens Park Rangers. Having been temporarily recalled from the Under-21s, Eckert has made a good start to his tenure as Southampton search for a permanent successor to Still.
Now, reports have indicated that Southampton, who are eight points adrift of the top six, could look to bring a former manager back to the club.
Martin back at Southampton?
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Martin is “still held in high regard at Southampton and has admirers in the boardroom”.
Taking over the Saints in 2023 after managing MK Dons and Swansea City, Martin guided Southampton to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
True to his patient, possession-based football, Martin was sacked by the club in December 2024, during a season which saw the club become the first Premier League team to be condemned to relegation with up to seven matches remaining.
Martin was, in turn, hired by the Rangers in the summer of 2025, and subsequently endured a terrible tenure that lasted just 123 days. Among other reported options including Frank Lampard and Mark Robins, Martin’s current status as a free agent could mean he is more inclined to take the job.
Football Insider reported that while Martin’s hiring by Southampton would be “a surprise, his return has not been ruled out”, as the club do not blame him for the season he endured in the top flight.
Having been described as “incredible” by Flynn Downes, who Martin brought to Southampton, the 39-year-old has certainly proven himself at Southampton in the past. Given their current situation and the severity of Martin’s tenure at Rangers, it remains to be seen whether Southampton will push further for a reunion.
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