Southampton manager Russell Martin has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2027.
It has been a frantic start to the summer, with Southampton having already confirmed permanent deals for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Adam Lallana and Charlie Taylor.
EFL centre-back duo Nathan Wood and Ronnie Edwards now look set to join them, as it has been reported that the pair could move to the south coast for a combined fee of just £6 million.
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Now, the club are continuing their preparations for their return to the Premier League and are about to announce the extension of manager Russell Martin‘s contract.
Southampton to announce Russell Martin extension shortly
Southampton took a risk by appointing the relatively inexperienced Martin as manager following relegation last summer, but owners Sport Republic felt a new direction was needed.
The Saints hierarchy had identified Martin’s possession-based style as the right approach for long-term success.
In terms of short-term success it has paid off, with Southampton achieving promotion to the Premier League at the first attempt.
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Now, the club’s owners look set to back their man further, as Southampton FC News understands the Saints are set to announce an extension to Martin’s current deal imminently.
Martin’s current contract runs until 2026 but a one-year extension to that is expected to be confirmed in the next few hours.
Martin rewarded for fine first Southampton season
Martin has been impressive in his season as Southampton manager, winning promotion alongside a complete overhaul of the playing style.
The former Swansea City boss also saw 18 players leave the club last summer and has repaired a fractured relationship with the fanbase following the Saints’ relegation.
Southampton showed a grit and determination few thought they had in the run to winning the play-offs and Martin deserves enormous credit for that.
Now, he has the unenviable task of recreating this kind of success in the Premier League, but he will do so with the confidence of the Southampton board.
Southampton are resigned to losing one of their brightest academy talents this summer with Manchester City close to