After spending time in the EFL Championship, Southampton manager Russell Martin guided the Saints back to the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign.
The 38-year-old Englishman has done a superb job at St Mary’s Stadium, and the hope is that the former defender can keep Southampton in the Premier League come next May.
Despite Southampton struggling at the start of the season, Russell Martin remains a popular figure on the South Coast, little is known about the Englishman so with that being said, here’s everything you need to know about the Saints head coach.
Where was Russell Martin born?
Martin was born in Brighton, East Sussex, to parents Dean and Kerry. The Englishman has two older brothers, Jamie and David, and a younger brother, Pepe.
Despite being born in Brighton, Martin would go on to represent Scotland at an international level where he would make 29 appearances.
When was Russell Martin born?
Martin was born on the 4th of January, 1986 which makes him 38 years of age at the time of writing.
Russell Martin’s playing career
Like most successful managers, Martin had a career in football before retiring and becoming a manager.
Martin has played for multiple EFL clubs, including Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United, but he spent the majority of his career with Norwich City.
During his time at Carrow Road, which spanned eight years, Martin featured in 284 games for the Canaries where he scored on 16 occasions.
Russell Martin’s managerial career
Prior to becoming Southampton boss in 2023, Martin was given his first permanent managerial job at MK Dons.
Martin received praise for his possession-based football but the club had mixed fortunes under the Scot with the club finishing in 13th place before Martin moved to EFL Championship side Swansea City.
Swansea approached MK Dons in the summer of 2021 and the former defender would remain in South Wales for two seasons.
During his two seasons at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea finished 15th and 10th in the Championship but completed the double over Cardiff for the first time in their history.
After two seasons in Wales, Martin was approached by Southampton and he led the Saints to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Russell Martin’s legal dispute with Swansea City
His transfer from Swansea to Southampton was certainly not a smooth one. Swansea had sued their former boss Martin over an alleged breach of contract following his move to Southampton in 2023.
Swansea claimed they were owed a higher amount than they were paid by the Saints with the Jacks claiming that he breached his contract, which stated that a Premier League club would have to pay £2m as opposed to the £1.25m required for an approach from a Championship club.
Southampton were relegated before they approached Swansea for Martin but the legal dispute has gone on and on. According to The Telegraph, Swansea settled their dispute with Martin in November 2024.
Russell Martin Foundation
As well as his work in football, Martin has also been busy with his charity work. The Russell Martin Foundation was established in Brighton and aims to use “the power of football to help change people’s lives” by providing access to football, education, and health courses in the local community.
Russell Martin vegan
Martin has been a vegan since 2014, which was initially a decision that was made due to health problems, as he sought to manage his ulcerative colitis. He is also a part-owner of Erpingham House, the largest vegan restaurant in the UK.
Russell Martin wife
Martin has been married to his wife Jasmine since 2013. She is a fitness instructor. She received two trophies and a pro card at the Miami Pro Fitness Model.