Southampton appoint Russell Martin's as manager on a three-year deal

Southampton confirm Russell Martin’s appointment as manager on a three-year deal… with Swansea insisting they are owed ‘full compensation’

Southampton have announced the appointment of Russell Martin as the club’s new manager on a three-year contract.

The former Scotland international had been expected to take charge of the Saints following the departure of Ruben Selles following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Martin has now left Swansea to take up the head coach position at Southampton.

‘It’s a privilege to accept this opportunity at Southampton, a club with such a long and rich history,’ Martin said.

‘My aim is to get this club back where it belongs – in the top flight of English football.

Russell Martin has been appointed as Southampton’s new manager on a three-year deal

‘I am ready for this challenge and will give everything to achieve this aim and to give the supporters a team that makes them proud.

‘I’m thrilled to be here and cannot wait for the work to begin.’

Southampton said Martin had earned widespread acclaim for the Swansea’s progress and style of play during his two seasons in charge of the Welsh side.

Martin has signed a contract until 2026 at St Mary’s, with the Saints saying they had ‘reached an agreement to secure his services’.

Swansea, however, had insisted they believe they are owed full compensation for Martin in a statement confirming his departure.

Southampton reportedly believed they should pay £1.25million for Russell’s services according to the PA news agency, while Swansea were believed to be demanding £2million. 

‘Martin had a little over 12 months remaining on the three-year deal he signed upon arriving at the Swansea.com Stadium in August 2021,’ a Swansea statement read.

‘The club also stands firm in our belief that we are owed full compensation for Russell, and we will continue working diligently and strategically to protect the best interests of the club.

‘Swansea City would like to place on record its thanks to Russell for his work during his time in SA1.’

Southampton’s chairman Henrik Kraft said Martin was the ‘stand-out candidate’ in their recruitment process.

‘We are extremely excited to welcome Russell to Southampton,’ Kraft said.

‘Russell was the stand-out candidate throughout our recruitment process and we are confident his strong track record, alongside the experienced leadership of our new Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, will deliver great results.’

Wilcox added: ‘Russell has shown fantastic qualities in his managerial career so far and is someone who we believe will thrive in the great environment we have here at Southampton.

‘He is a fantastic fit for what we are trying to achieve, with a strong record of developing and nurturing young, talented players to fulfil their potential and deliver results on the pitch.

‘We can’t wait for Russell to get started working with the team at Staplewood as we get ready for the new season.’

Swansea are reportedly in talks with Barnsley with a view to their manager Michael Duff succeeding Martin as head coach.

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