RUSSELL MARTIN is the bookies’ favourite to replace axed Will Still and make a stunning return to Southampton.
Still was relieved of his duties over the weekend after yet another defeat in the second tier, this time 2-0 to Preston.
Despite opening the season with a 2-1 win over Wrexham, Saints have picked up just nine more points from the following TWELVE matches.
They now sit one place outside the relegation zone on their return to the Championship and showed no signs of improving that recent record.
Group Technical Director Johannes Spors said: “Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results.
“Ultimately that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked. By making a change now we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table.”
All eyes are on the next appointment now as they search for their sixth permanent manager in seven years.
But looking at the Betfair next manager odds, could it be they look backwards rather than forward with their selection?
Next Southampton manager odds
Betfair odds
- Russell Martin 2/1
- Michael Carrick 5/1
- Brendan Rodgers, Gary O’Neil, Frank Lampard, Mark Robins and Tonda Eckert 15/2
- Ralph Hassenhuttl 17/2
That’s because former boss Russell Martin is the current 2/1 favourite with Betfair to make a sensational return to the south coast.
He was previously in charge of the club between 2023 and 2024 and led Saints to promotion via the play-offs in his first, and only, full season in charge.
He was then sacked last December having won just one of his 16 games in charge in the Premier League before a horror stint at Rangers earlier this season where he was eventually hounded out after a terrible beginning to the campaign.
Michael Carrick remains out of work after leaving Middlesbrough and is second favourite at 5/1, ahead of Brendan Rodgers, Gary O’Neil, Frank Lampard, Mark Robins and Tonda Eckert who are all locked together at 15/2.
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