Pamplemousse

I asked AI to rewrite the club's statement for it to be a bit more honest about the situation... We can confirm that Russell Martin has been dismissed from his position as Men’s First Team Manager with immediate effect. This decision comes as a direct result of his abject failure to deliver the results and performances expected of a club of Southampton's stature. From the very beginning of the season, it was clear that Russell was out of his depth. His tactical approach has been naive, his team selections baffling, and his inability to adapt to the demands of the Premier League has been nothing short of disastrous. The consistent lack of cohesion, discipline, and fight from the team under his management has left the club in an embarrassing and unacceptable position. Despite significant backing from the board, unwavering support from the fans, and a squad with undeniable potential, Russell has squandered every opportunity to turn things around. His leadership has been marked by excuses instead of accountability and confusion instead of clarity. It is no exaggeration to say that his tenure has set the club back significantly. This club has a proud history and loyal supporters who deserve far better than the mediocrity and mismanagement we have witnessed under Russell’s stewardship. Our immediate focus is to restore professionalism and competence to the team, starting with Simon Rusk stepping in as interim manager while we urgently seek a permanent replacement capable of salvaging this season. We will not tolerate such incompetence again and will do everything in our power to ensure Southampton Football Club never sinks to these levels of failure under any manager in the future.

He was set piece coach at Nottingham Forest last season... and they conceded the most goals from set pieces in the league.

He's not stupid enough to come back with our owners but he's exactly what we need.

No disrespect to Santa Clara but we should be able to offer him a massive pay rise. That should be enough for any decent manager, even if our chances of staying up are slim. Maybe SR will promise a new manager transfer funds as well, we can dream.

I honestly just don't care, the £30 ticket price should be prompting mass protests.

Carl Martin's red and white army (we hate Pompey)

I thank him for least season. After we went down, we were a mess, loads of players didn't want to be here, and he turned it around. The play offs in particular, he got it absolutely spot on. It hasn't worked out this season and it's sad because I wish it had done, but a change had to be made. Hopefully, once the dust has settled, we as a fanbase can appreciate what he achieved.

Far too late. Should've been last week

O'Neil may be an OK manager but he is a skate, so no thanks.

The fact he walked straight down the tunnel spoke volumes. At least Gary O'Neil faced the music and went over to the fans despite knowing the calls for him to go. Martin is a coward. Blamed the fans last week, he can't blame us this week.

The other thing about having a ground 40k plus is that it puts us in a good position to host tournament games if England ever gets the World Cup again

https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2024/12/13/st-marys-stadium-expansion-in-the-works-through-council-mou/ English Premier League football club Southampton has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Southampton City Council to explore the redevelopment of the St Mary’s Waterfront area, including expansion of its stadium. The two parties said the “landmark collaboration” announced today (Friday) aims to create a premier sports, leisure, and entertainment offer along the South Coast, benefiting residents, visitors, and the broader community. The MoU establishes a framework for joint planning and development, as the club and Council work together to transform the Itchen Riverside and St Mary’s Waterfront district into a vibrant, year-round destination. Both parties aim to enhance the area’s economic potential while promoting sustainability, social value, and accessibility. The shared vision includes: • Expanding St Mary’s Stadium and developing the surrounding areas to accommodate future growth, establishing it as a key entertainment destination on the South Coast. • Enhanced transport and infrastructure plans to improve connectivity, making it easier for residents and visitors to access the waterfront area. • A mixed and balanced community that includes commercial, leisure, residential, and accessible public spaces that enhance the quality of life for local people and attract new visitors and investment. • Sustainability and environmental initiatives aligned with Southampton’s Green City Plan. Under the MoU, Southampton FC and Southampton City Council will collaborate on a range of initiatives such as future development, transport improvements, and overall community engagement. Both organisations said they are committed to working openly and in close co-operation with local partners to achieve mutual goals that reflect the interests of the Southampton community. The MoU’s objectives will be reviewed regularly, allowing flexibility for emerging opportunities and ensuring the project’s goals continue to meet the needs of Southampton’s residents and businesses. “This Memorandum of Understanding is a crucial step in ensuring the future success of both Southampton Football Club and the city of Southampton,” said Phil Parsons, CEO of Southampton FC. “For the club to thrive and survive in the Premier League, we must increase our revenue streams, and developing the St Mary’s Waterfront area is central to achieving that. In turn, a successful football club at the highest level brings enormous benefits to the city, including increased tourism, investment, and civic pride. “We are incredibly grateful to the Council for their proactive and committed approach to this partnership. Their vision for developing the area and improving the city aligns perfectly with our ambition to establish Southampton as a leading destination for sport, leisure, and entertainment.” Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council added: “This is an exciting first step in bringing forward a unified vision for Southampton’s future. We are working with our partners and key stakeholders across the city to deliver on our aspirations and are delighted to be working with Southampton FC to support what for many people represents the pride of the city.” The partnership announced today is part of the broader Southampton Renaissance strategy, which seeks to attract investment and boost the local economy. Following promotion back to the Premier League this season, Southampton FC has been engaged in efforts to enhance the St. Mary’s Stadium experience. Sunday’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur is set to see the opening of The Dell, a new pub-themed space named after the club’s former home stadium. The Dell will be open from 9am to 11pm, Monday through Saturday, and 10am to 9pm on Sundays. In June, the club was given the green light to develop new fan zones and big screens outside St Mary’s Stadium, while earlier this year plans were unveiled to install a new safe standing area in the Northam Stand. St Mary’s Stadium opened in August 2001 after being built for £32m (€38.6m/($40.5m) and has a capacity of 32,000.

So he still hasn't been sacked then? What a joke. We have a nice little run of (somewhat) easier games that a new manager would love. 2 wins and a draw before the end of the year would put us right back in contention.

Hope these fans are back with one for RM. Although they did get kicked out of the stadium that day

If we concede early on Sunday, the atmosphere will get toxic. If the players love him so much then maybe they'll up their performance levels on Sunday knowing only a win will likely keep him in post.

Interestingly, nothing from the club media (except Archer's birthday) or The Echo/Adam Blackmore Something's happening for sure I reckon. Hopefully finalising an immediate replacement

I didn't find his moronic hair pulling hilarious. It was unprofessional, especially when two of our centre backs were already unavailable. A captain should do better.

Think someone at West Ham or Wolves is pretty much nailed on after Monday Night Football.

That's exactly what we need. I've had a brief look at his Wikipedia page and I say bring him in. Interestingly, he left a top flight team to take a job in the tier below (which he won) so it shows he's prepared to take a risk in taking jobs. And let's be honest, we're a big risk.

I'd like to think we'll win at least twice again this season

I know it won't matter but seeing Ipswich bottle in the last couple of minutes is very satisfying

He has more Premier League wins at St Mary's than RM

He'd easily get a job at one of the 'bigger' Chanpionship teams like Norwich, Watford or West Brom, someone of that ilk.

I'd like to think we're lining up a replacement ready to take charge immediately. Knowing us we'll wait too long, sack him on a whim with no plan and then have Carl Martin as caretaker for the busy Christmas period

Fraser has looked OK tbh, he put in that cross that Archer "scored" at Brighton I genuinely don't know what BBD is good at. He hasn't played much which probably hasn't helped.