Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is “still in contention” for a sensational return to St Mary’s.
Despite a disappointing 2024/25 Premier League season, Southampton were projected to be strong contenders for rapid promotion from the Championship. Will Still was hired manager of Saints in the summer after establishing himself in Ligue 1 with Reims and Lens.
Despite his evident coaching skills, Still struggled to make things work during his first stint in English football. After winning only two of 13 second-tier matches, Still was fired by the club, which was 21st in the league after three consecutive defeats.
Tonda Eckert, the Saints’ temporary manager, won his first game in command against Queens Park Rangers. Eckert, who was temporarily promoted from the Under-21s, has made a promising start in command of Southampton as they look for a permanent replacement for Still.
According to rumors, Southampton, who sit eight points behind the top six, may seek to re-sign a former manager.
Will Martin return to Southampton?
Martin is “still held in high regard at Southampton and has admirers in the boardroom” according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke.
Martin took over the Saints in 2023 after managing MK Dons and Swansea City, and he led them to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.
Martin, who was devoted to his slow, possession-based style of football, was fired by the club in December 2024, during a season in which the club became the first Premier League team to be relegated with as many as seven games remaining.
Martin was hired by the Rangers in the summer of 2025, and he went on to have a dismal term in command that lasted only 123 days. Among other reported choices, such Frank Lampard and Mark Robins, Martin’s current status as a free agent may indicate that he is more likely to accept the job.
According to Football Insider, while Martin’s hiring by Southampton would be “a surprise, his return has not been ruled out,” as the club does not blame him for their poor season in the Premier League.
The 39-year-old had previously proven himself at Southampton, having been described as “unbelievable” by Flynn Downes, whom Martin brought in. Given their current situation and Martin’s poor performance at Rangers, it remains to be seen whether Southampton will press any further for a reunion.
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