In a notable development, Russell Martin, the former manager of Rangers, has emerged as a leading candidate for the managerial roles at both Southampton and Norwich City. This news has generated significant interest among supporters of both clubs, particularly as calls for managerial changes intensify following a series of disappointing performances in the Championship.
According to Alan Nixon on Patreon, both clubs are under mounting pressure after a challenging round of fixtures. Southampton's recent form has been troubling, with the team suffering a 2-0 defeat to Preston North End, marking just one victory in their last twelve league matches under current manager Will Still. The Saints are still reeling from a disappointing relegation last season, during which Martin managed nearly half of the campaign before his departure. Read more about Canaries Face Hull as Pressure Mounts at Carrow Road.
Norwich City's situation appears even more precarious. Manager Liam Manning is facing considerable criticism from fans, yet he remains in charge despite a string of unsatisfactory results. The defeat to Hull City was particularly painful, representing Norwich's ninth loss in just thirteen matches, leaving them stranded at the bottom of the Championship with a mere eight points. This match was especially notable, as Hull secured their first victory in Norfolk since 2010. Read more about Hughes Targets Redemption as Hull Face Norwich at Carrow Road.
The ownership groups at both clubs—Southampton's Sport Republic and Norwich's majority owner Mark Attanasio—are feeling the heat, with the need for decisive action becoming increasingly urgent. Fans had speculated that managerial changes were imminent due to the clubs' previous social media silence, but the ongoing poor performances have only heightened concerns.
Nixon's report suggests that Martin could be a viable option for either club if they decide to act quickly. The 39-year-old manager has navigated a challenging path through management, having previously led MK Dons and Swansea City before taking the reins at Southampton in the summer of 2023. Although he successfully guided the Saints back to the Premier League through a playoff victory in May 2024, he was dismissed last December following a poor start to the season.
Martin's prior connection to both clubs, combined with his footballing philosophy, makes him an appealing candidate. Having made 308 appearances for Norwich between 2009 and 2018, including three promotion campaigns, he has earned the respect of the supporters at Carrow Road. Furthermore, with his recent dismissal from Ibrox, no compensation fee would be required, making him a financially viable option.
However, appointing Martin could represent a significant risk for both Attanasio and Sport Republic. Both Still and Manning favour possession-based football, a style that mirrors Martin's approach, leading to questions about whether a shift in philosophy might be necessary to address the current struggles facing both teams. Read more about Football Mourns as Willie Young Passes Away at 73.
As the pressure mounts and fan restlessness grows, the upcoming days could prove pivotal for the future of both clubs. The prospect of Russell Martin returning to either Carrow Road or St Mary's is certainly a topic of keen interest among supporters.