Exclusive: Southampton set swift timeline for Russell Martin sack...

Russell Martin is one game away from being sacked as Southampton manager, as TEAMtalk can reveal club chiefs are ready to swing

the axe if the team loses at home to Leicester City following the international break.

The Southampton hierarchy are losing patience with Martin amid his team’s poor run of form and are preparing to make a change

depending on the result against Leicester on Saturday October 19. Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Southampton officials are

drawing up a list of potential replacements for the 38-year-old, should they be forced to make a change in the dugout.

Last season, Southampton finished fourth in the championship and defeated Leeds United in the play-off final to earn an instant

return to the top flight. Martin did a tremendous job leading Southampton to that success. Although Martin was rewarded with a new

three-year deal in the summer, Saints’ return to the Premier League has not gone well.

With just one point gained from their first seven games, they are now ranked 19th in the table. Their sole goal differential keeps them

above Wolverhampton Wanderers and out of last place.

Martin’s team has lost 3-1 to both Bournemouth and Arsenal since tying 1-1 with Ipswich Town to earn their lone point of the season.

In addition to having the joint second-worst defensive record (15 goals conceded), Saints are the lowest scorers in the league, having

scored just four goals in their seven games.

Although Premier League opponents have highlighted Southampton’s deficiencies in the opening weeks of the season, Martin has

faced criticism for sticking to his possession-based style of play in order to preserve Southampton’s unique character.

Southampton appears to be in a fight with teams like Wolves, Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Everton, and Leicester to remain in the division,

even if the season is still extremely early. To try to turn around the club’s problems, Southampton’s leaders are prepared to take

action.

Saints to finalise new contract

In contrast, Tyler Dibling, an 18-year-old winger, has been one of Southampton’s few bright spots thus far this season. In nine games

played, he has made a significant contribution and recorded one goal and two assists.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are keeping an eye on the England U19 prodigy and could make an offer shortly, but

Southampton wants to keep both teams at away.

Recent rumours suggested that Dibling will ink a “bumper new deal” with the Saints, which would aid to avert a 2025 departure from

the team.

In addition, Southampton will offer Dibling a significant salary increase under the new contract as compensation for his recent

outstanding achievements.

Martin was appointed as Southampton manager in the summer of 2023 and guided the club to a fourth-place finish in the

Championship.