Southampton news: A look at manager Russell Martin’s career so far

Russell Martin’s name is hogging the headlines after Southampton secured a return to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Leeds at Wembley on Sunday.

Martin’s Saints kept Daniel Farke’s Leeds United at arm’s length with a controlled performance in the Championship play-off final, which was decided by a clinical finish from Adam Armstrong.

Southampton had finished below Leeds in the Championship table, placing fourth after racking 87 points compared to United’s 90-point haul.

But they entered the play-offs with more momentum than Farke’s men, having won three of their last six league games, whereas Leeds only won one, drawing one and losing four of their last six.

History was also against Leeds, as they had lost all five of their previous play-off finals, and there was no joy of six for them on Sunday as the heartache continued for Leeds fans.

But Martin’s mastery of his tactics has received praise, with Saints largely nullifying the threat of Leeds with relative ease, bar a late scare when Dan James hit the woodwork.

Here, Sports News Blitz takes at the latest Premier League manager who will be locking horns with Pep Guardiola and fellow top-flight new boy Arne Slot in the 2024/25 season.

Playing Career

Early Years

Youth Career: Martin started with Brighton & Hove Albion's youth academy but got the boot at 16. No hard feelings – it was just a kickstart to his career.

Professional Career

Wycombe Wanderers (2004-2008): Martin kicked off his professional career at Wycombe Wanderers, making over 100 appearances and probably more slide tackles than you can count.

Peterborough United (2008-2010): His solid play got him a ticket to Peterborough United, where he continued to dazzle, though not with fancy footwork – just good old-fashioned defending.

Norwich City (2010-2018): Martin found his true home at Norwich City. Starting on loan, he quickly became a fan favorite and might as well have gotten a key to the city.

With over 300 appearances, he was practically part of the furniture – albeit very sporty furniture.

Rangers (Loan, 2018): A quick trip to Scotland with Rangers added some international flavor to his career.

Walsall (2018): Martin had a brief stint at Walsall. It was short, but we bet he still made an impression.

Milton Keynes Dons (2019): He wrapped up his playing days at MK Dons, where he started his metamorphosis into a manager. Think of it as a footballing chrysalis phase.

International Career

Scotland National Team (2011-2017): Despite being born in England, Martin played for Scotland, thanks to his Scottish dad.

He earned 29 caps, proving he could defend with the best of them.

Managerial Career

Transition to Management

MK Dons (2019-2021): Hanging up his boots, Martin grabbed a clipboard and became the boss at MK Dons. His style? Possession-based football – because why let the other team have the ball?

Swansea City (2021-2023)

Swansea City: In August 2021, Martin took his talents to Swansea City. His tactics involved so much ball control, he could have been mistaken for a juggler.

Results were mixed, but hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was a top-tier football team.

Southampton (2023-Present)

Southampton: In June 2023, Martin took on the managerial role at Southampton - and was given the task of steering Saints back to the Premier League, which he has done with aplomb.

Summary

Russell Martin's career has been a rollercoaster of defensive duties and managerial maneuvers.

From solid player to possession-obsessed manager, he has left a mark everywhere he's gone.

Whether he's tackling opponents or tactical challenges, one thing's for sure – Russell Martin knows how to keep us entertained.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Southampton FC back in the big time - a look at the Saints’ story so far