Southampton have confirmed Russell Martin as their new manager on a three-year deal until 2026.
The 37-year-old ex-Norwich defender will arrive at St Mary’s tasked with promotion after the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
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talkSPORT broke the story of Southampton’s interest in Martin last month, with the club having to pay around £400,000 in compensation to Swansea.
Martin has just completed his second season as Swansea’s manager, where he guided them 10th in the second-tier after ending 15th in the 2021/22 campaign.
Praised for his possession-based football, Martin began managing at MK Dons after he stopped playing for the side in 2019.
Commenting on his delight at taking over at Southampton, Martin told the club’s website: “It’s a privilege to accept this opportunity at Southampton, a club with such a long and rich history.
“My aim is to get this club back where it belongs – in the top flight of English football.
“I am ready for this challenge and will give everything to achieve this aim and to give the supporters a team that makes them proud.
“I’m thrilled to be here and cannot wait for the work to begin.”
Saints chairman Henrik Kraft added: “We are extremely excited to welcome Russell to Southampton.
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“Russell was the stand-out candidate throughout our recruitment process and we are confident his strong track record, alongside the experienced leadership of our new Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, will deliver great results.”
The former Scotland international is Southampton’s fourth manager in a year after a troubled season saw their 11-year stay in the top-flight come to an end.
Ralph Hasenhuttl was in the dugout at the start of the previous campaign before being replaced by Nathan Jones.
He only lasted four months, before Ruben Selles took over, but he failed to impress – winning just two out of his 17 games.
