Southampton to appoint Russell Martin as club win race for manager dubbed ‘next Brendan Rodgers’
RUSSELL MARTIN will take over as Southampton boss this summer.
The Swansea gaffer has verbally agreed terms with the relegated Saints, who are overhauling things on and off the pitch following a dismal season.
GettyRussell Martin first took charge as a manager in 2019 at MK Dons[/caption]
Southampton are now negotiating compensation with the Championship outfit and the fee is set to be well under £1million.
Martin, 37, who has led Swansea to 15th and tenth-placed finishes on a limited budget in his two seasons in Wales, is expected to bring his backroom staff with him.
Ruben Selles, Saints’ third manager this season, will leave following Sunday’s game with Liverpool.
The Saints ownership see Martin’s possession-based style as key to bouncing straight back into the Premier League.
His style of play and position as Swansea boss has seen him draw comparisons to Brendan Rodgers.
Former Norwich defender Martin is not the only change on the south coast, with owners Sport Republic announcing a board reshuffle.
Chief executive officer Martin Semmens has left after falling out with Sport Republic and the director of football Rasmus Ankersen.
Jason Wilcox is set to arrive from champions Manchester City as technical director and has already had a hand in Martin’s appointment.
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Saints also announced that Andy Young, previously chief financial officer of City Football Group, will join as an independent director.
And Darren Mowbray, the brother of Sunderland boss Tony, is their new head of recruitment.
Southampton were relegated after defeat to Fulham earlier this month.
