Southampton confirm that Ruben Selles’ contract will NOT be renewed when it expires at the end of the season… as Saints target Swansea boss Russell Martin to lead their Championship rebuild next year
- Southampton have confirmed that Ruben Selles’ deal will not be renewed
- The Spaniard will leave the Saints when the current campaign comes to an end
- The club are interested in bringing in Swansea’s Russell Martin as replacement
Southampton have confirmed that Ruben Selles’ contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.
The Saints have managed to win just two of their 15 Premier League games under Selles’ guidance which, in turn, saw them finish bottom of the league table.
With their relegation already confirmed, and a year in the Championship looming, the Saints have confirmed they will part ways with Selles at the end of his deal.
In a statement on Wednesday, the club said: ‘Southampton football club can confirm that it has held conversations with Men’s first team manger, Ruben Selles, and decided that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.
‘The club want to place on record its thanks to Ruben for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League.
Southampton have confirmed that Ruben Selles’ deal will not be renewed when it expires
The Saints released a lengthy statement that wished Selles well for ‘his future career’
‘Ruben will take charge of the team for the final game against Liverpool and Sunday at St Mary’s. We wish him all the best for his future career’.
Mail Sport revealed on Sunday that Southampton are expected to appoint Russell Martin as their new manager at the start of this week.
Martin, the 37-year old Swansea City boss, has one year left on contract and Southampton are understood to be ready make their formal approach and wrap up compensation over the next 48 hours.
Southampton had also sounded out Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca after shortlisting him earlier in the season when they sacked Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The Italian has been a key component of Pep Guardiola’s backroom team and had kept the City boss informed. The Premier League champions now want Maresca to stay on for another season.
Meanwhile, Martin had been due to fly to Washington Thursday to discuss plans and budgets with Swansea’s owners but remained in the UK as Southampton stepped up their interest.
The Saints have been searching for stability since Hasenhuttl’s departure mid-way through the top-flight campaign.
Southampton hope to name Russell Martin as their new manager at the start of the week
The Austrian was sacked in November, with the Saints sat within the relegation zone. Selles came in on a temporary basis before Nathan Jones was appointed full-time.
Jones’ stint at St Mary’s was nothing short of disastrous, as he quickly fell out with players and staff at the club – while they also faltered in their performances.
His five league wins – from 14 matches – did little to help Southampton’s fight for survival in the Premier League and eventually saw him get sacked from the club.
Luton boss Jones has emerged as a candidate to replace Martin at Swansea, should he take up the vacant role at Southampton.
