Surprise candidate installed as early favourite to replace Russell Martin as Southampton manager after 5-0 defeat to Spurs

An early favourite has emerged to replace Russell Martin as the next Southampton manager.

Martin, who led the Saints to promotion via the Championship play-offs, was relieved of his duties following the club's humiliating 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

It has been a miserable campaign for Southampton, who have suffered 13 defeats from 16 games in the Premier League this season.

And on Sunday evening, the club made what was described as a "difficult decision" to part ways with Martin.

"Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world," a statement on their website read.

"However, the reality of our situation is clear. The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve."

Who is the bookies favourite to replace Russell Martin?

Taking over a club who sit rock bottom of the Premier League with five points from a possible 48 will be difficult, to say the least. But at the time of writing, former Brighton and Chelsea manager Graham Potter is the favourite to replace Martin at 4/1.

Potter, who has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, was heavily linked with the Southampton job in October.

At the time, he said he was ready to make a return to management.

Speaking on the Planet Premier League podcast, Potter said: "I do. I think the time I've had has been amazing. I had 12-13 years of non-stop football, coaching, managing, so from the fourth tier in Swedish football to the last eight in the Champions League with Chelsea.

"That doesn't come for free in terms of how much you have to devote and how much you have to sacrifice for that, especially when you've got a young family.

"So to be able to have the time to spend with them, to reconnect with them, to sort of get a bit of energy and reflect and look back on the 12 years and think, 'Okay, what went well, and what can I improve? And what do I need to do? And what do I want the next 12 years to look like'."

Potter has been without a club since April last year. Image credit: Getty

West Brom manager Carlos Corberan is the joint-second favourite with BettingOdds to replace Martin at 6/1 alongside David Moyes, while Mark Robins, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Steve Cooper and Rafael Benitez are also mentioned.