Southampton fire Russell Martin after blowout loss to Tottenham

Southampton fired manager Russell Martin after suffering their heaviest loss of the season Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur.

Sunday's 5-0 shellacking at St. Mary's left last-placed Southampton nine points adrift of safety in the Premier League table.

The club's Under-21 manager, Simon Rusk, has assumed head coaching duties on an interim basis.

Martin wanted to bring attractive football to Southampton but ultimately couldn't get the balance right. His team won just once in 16 Premier League matches while posting a dismal minus-25 goal differential.

Fans left midway through Sunday's game and chanted for the club to fire the 38-year-old who secured Premier League promotion last season.

"Going into the start of the season, we all knew the challenges that we would face this year as we readjusted to life in the top flight, competing in the best and most competitive league in the world. However, the reality of our situation is clear," Southampton said in a statement.

"The board have supported Russell and his staff and been open and transparent regarding our expectations. We have all been on the same page in recognizing the urgency of needing results to improve."

Southampton made the coaching change on the same day relegation rivals Wolverhampton parted with manager Gary O'Neil. Wolves are four points ahead of Southampton in 19th place.