The odds are stacked against Russell Martin and Southampton staying up - but the Saints boss does not appreciate the vultures circling so soon, even if their next fixture looks daunting

Unless something changes, then it does feel like the writing is on the wall. They have to adapt their style of play a little bit sooner rather than later if they want to start picking up results. Vincent Kompany left it too late last season and Burnley went down.

Southampton manager Russell Martin questioned his side’s character following their 3-1 defeat by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Monday. Goals from Evanilson, Dango Ouattara, and Antoine Semenyo helped the home side race into a 3-0 lead after 39 minutes,

Southampton boss Russell Martin has retained the full backing of his squad despite an underwhelming start to the season

Opinion - What now for Russell Martin?

This is the one where Russell Martin tore into his team. This is the one where the under-pressure Southampton manager surely drew a line in the sand by accusing his players of lacking “aggression”, “intensity” and,

Iain Macintosh says Russell Martin looked helpless on the touchline during Southamptons 3-1 loss to Bournemouth on Monday.