24 May 2023 , 13:59
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Southampton have confirmed manager Ruben Selles will leave his role at the end of the season, with Russell Martin set to take charge.
Southampton have suffered relegation from the Premier League and will return to the Championship after Sunday afternoon's home game against Liverpool. The Saints are rooted to the bottom of the table after picking up just six wins and 24 points this season.
Selles, 39, has won just two of his 16 games in charge since being handed a short-term contract in February. Martin, 37, who is currently in charge of Championship side Swansea, is expected to succeed the outgoing Spaniard on a three-year deal.
Southampton announced Selles' departure on Wednesday afternoon. The news comes just two days after the club's chief executive Martin Semmens confirmed his exit.
A statement read: "Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has held conversations with men's first team manager, Ruben Selles, and decided that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.
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"The club wants 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. Ruben will take charge of the team for the final game against Liverpool on Sunday at St Mary's. We wish him all the best for his future career."
Ruben Selles' time in charge of Southampton is nearly up (PA)What do you make of Southampton's decision? Let us know in the comments below!
Selles joined Southampton a year ago to assist then manager Ralph Hasenhuttl after previous coaching spells with Qarabag, Valencia and Copenhagen. He took charge of one Premier League game after Hasenhuttl was sacked in November.
The German was initially succeed by Nathan Jones, who was sacked three months later after just 14 games in charge. Selles was then given the job until the end of the season, despite having no previous experience of first-team management.
Selles' inexperience ultimately told, with Martin becoming the frontrunner to succeed him after relegation was confirmed earlier this month. Selles said he "expects respect" after last Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Brighton in response to rumours of Martin's arrival.
Selles said: "If the club want to make a decision before the end of the season, I expect some respect and communication before, or I will be very disappointed."
Southampton have responded to Selles' request by announcing his departure. It's believed the Saints have agreed a compensation package worth more than £400,000 with Swansea to take the Scot, who has been praised for his style of play, to the south coast.
Martin, who played for the likes of Norwich and Rangers, started his managerial career with MK Dons in November 2019 before joining his current club in July 2021. Swansea finished 10th in the Championship this season, three points off the play-offs.