Russell Martin has been sacked as Southampton’s first-team manager after a dismal start to the Premier League season. Martin leaves Southampton rock bottom of the Premier League, with only one win in 16 Premier League matches, losing 13 and drawing twice.

The sacking of Russell Martin came after the 5-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, a game in which fans left the ground before the end of the first half, venting their frustrations. The fans who stayed behind booed Russell Martin off the pitch after full time.

Apart from Southampton’s poor run of results, there were concerns about sloppy decisions being made on the pitch, with players being dominated, making costly mistakes, and showing little or no sign of attacking threat.

Russell Martin guided Southampton to promotion to the Premier League at the first time of asking after beating Leeds United in the playoffs last season. Martin has a winning rate of 45.21% with Southampton, winning 33 times, drawing 14, and losing 26.

Under-21 manager Simon Rusk will be in charge of the team on an interim basis, starting with the EFL Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on Wednesday.