Southampton FC manager news: Russell Martin & Ralph Hassenhutl truth, Adam Lallana stance, Johannes Spors search | OneFootball

Southampton remain on the lookout for a new boss after they sacked Will Still following their underwhelming start to the season.

Southampton remain on the lookout for a new head coach after Will Still was sacked by the club just a matter of months after he was appointed.

It had been hoped that the former Lens chief would kickstart an exciting new era for Saints after a disappointing few years that saw the club relegated from the Premier League twice.

However, Still did not make the impact that the hierarchy expected, and he paid the price by losing his job following the 2-0 defeat to Preston last weekend.

As you would expect, there has been plenty of speculation since Still’s exit, but no decision has been made, with the club presumably intending to take advantage of the upcoming international break to give them more time to make a call, as U21 boss Tonda Eckert leads the team in the meantime.

Nevertheless, you can be sure that work is ongoing in the background, and here we provide the latest on the managerial search…

Russell Martin & Ralph Hassenhutl unlikely to return to Southampton

The only head coach to bring any sort of success to Southampton in recent years is Russell Martin, who won promotion with the club in 2024.

Therefore, with Martin out of work since his sacking from Rangers last month, it’s understandable that many thought a return to St. Mary’s Stadium could make sense for all parties.

Yet, Sky Sports have stated Martin’s return is deemed as ‘unlikely’, even though he has the backing of ‘several first-team players’ who would welcome his return.

Going further back, Ralph Hassenhutl is another manager who brought success to Southampton, and it was interesting to see the Austrian in the stands for their recent game at Bristol City.

But, the same report explains that he was at Ashton Gate as a guest of Gerhard Struber, and he is ‘not thought’ to be on the radar of the Championship club.

Adam Lallana would be keen on taking first managerial role with Southampton

Former player Adam Lallana, who is now a coach, is part of the backroom team helping Eckert lead the team at the moment.

The ex-England midfielder is seen as someone who could have a big future in the game as a coach, so it’s a coup for Saints to have him as part of the setup.

Sky Sports have claimed that Lallana does want to become a head coach, and he ‘would be interested’ in taking his first managerial role with the club that is close to his heart.

With Lallana not chosen as caretaker following Still’s sacking, the 37-year-old landing the top job always looked a long shot, and the update adds that a lack of experience is likely to be the significant factor in Southampton looking elsewhere.

There is a lot of pressure on Southampton to get this appointment right, as the fans are understandably upset with those making the decisions at the club.

Journalist Lyall Thomas has confirmed that sporting director Johannes Spors is ‘leading the search’ for Still’s successor. It’s also said that Spors is keen to bring in a coach from Germany, with the search for the new boss focusing on his home country, where he will have plenty of contacts and knowledge.

Casper Jander, Leo Scienza, Damion Downs and Joshua Quarshie were all signed from German clubs in the summer window.