Russell Martin reportedly facing Southampton axe – Sunderland carefully monitoring situation

Southampton are in the Championship playoffs. They drew 0-0 in the first leg against West Brom and will host the Baggies on Friday night.

According to the Daily Mail, if Martin fails to guide the Saints to Premier League promotion this season,

he could be fired. He previously managed MK Dons and Swansea City.

Former centre back Martin only took over as manager of the Saints last summer,

and he led them to fourth position in the Championship, with nine points separating them from second-placed Ipswich Town.

The revelation has elicited varied reactions from Saints fans online,

with much speculation over whether Martin will remain with the club next summer.

But if he is let go, he will have plenty of Championship admirers, and Sunderland may be one of them.

Will Russell Martin be a good fit for Sunderland?

Martin’s unique selling point as a manager is his playing style,

which is mainly based on possession and short passing and has earned him numerous accolades over the last three seasons.

Southampton made the most passes in the 2023/24 Championship season,

had the highest pass success rate, and completed more short and medium passes than any other side.

The Saints also finished the season as the league’s third-highest goal scorers (87),

as well as the third-highest expected goals (FBREF figures).

However, Martin’s team conceded 63 goals in 46 Championship games (third-most in the top ten),

while also placing joint-sixth in terms of clean sheets (13, the same number as Sheffield Wednesday and QPR).

So Southampton appear to be very strong in attack but weak in defence under Martin. Louis-Dreyfus,

on the other hand, may be drawn to Southampton’s squad age,

which averages 25.1 years and ranks them joint-fifth youngest in the Championship.

Sunderland is the youngest club and continues to focus on youth recruiting,

therefore Louis-Dreyfus will want a manager who can deal with a young team,

something Martin has demonstrated this season.

This season, he has helped develop several young players,

notably Nico Lawrence, Jayden Maghoma, and Tyler Dibling, despite making only a few first-team appearances.

Martin, on the other hand, has worked successfully with established players such as Adam Armstrong,

therefore if he is appointed as Sunderland’s next manager, he will want a balanced squad.

At the time, it is entirely speculative. However, the data shows that Martin could be a good match for Sunderland,

however whether Sunderland is a good fit for him remains to be seen.

It’s a demanding position with big expectations.

Whoever the next manager is, they must be fully supported and given the resources necessary to compete in the Championship.

And, if given the right tools, Martin and Sunderland may succeed together.

But his entire emphasis right now will be on Southampton’s match against West Brom on Friday.

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