Russell Martin at risk of sack with Southampton board split over poor start

The Southampton hierarchy are split over the club’s poor start to the season, talkSPORT understands.

Manager Russell Martin is coming under increasing pressure from owner Dragan Solak after his newly-promoted side took just one point from their first six games. 

Martin is under huge pressure at SouthamptonGetty

Saints are also the lowest scorers in the Premier League after netting only three goals and slumped to a 3-1 defeat at south coast rivals Bournemouth on Monday night. 

Martin does retain the support of sporting director Rasmus Ankersen, who head-hunted the former Swansea boss and is backing him to turn their fortunes around. 

However, sources close to the situation suggest Ankersen is also facing scrutiny from Serbian billionaire Solak.

Saints were relegated from the Premier League in 2023 after twice changing manager and making a number of big-money signings that did not pay off.

Martin guided them back to the top-flight at the first time of asking via  Championship play-off final win over Leeds and was rewarded with a new three-year deal in the summer. 

The Saints boss also lost a key boardroom ally in Jason Wilcox when he quit his role as director of football to join Manchester United. 

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