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Southampton Make Russell Martin ‘Top Choice’ to Replace Will Still

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Former Southampton head coach Russell Martin is reportedly the Saints hierarchy’s shock “top choice” to replace Will Still after his recent sacking, according to TEAMtalk.

Southampton parted ways with Still on Sunday, calling time on his six-month stint at St Mary’s. The former RC Lens boss managed to oversee just two wins from their first 12 Championship outings, to leave them 21st in the second tier table.

With Southampton just three points outside the relegation zone, the club are now on the hunt for a new manager to help kick-start their 2025/26 campaign, and the Saints’ former boss Martin is believed to be their number one target.

Southampton Eye Martin As Still Replacement

Russell Martin during his time in charge of Southampton

Scotsman Martin led Southampton to promotion to the Premier League in the 2023/24 campaign, which concluded with their dramatic 1-0 win over Leeds United thanks to a first-half strike from Adam Armstrong under the Wembley arch.

However, Martin was sacked mere months later in December with his Saints side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, seeing them eventually relegated under Ivan Juric.

Most recently, Martin endured a testing spell in charge of Scottish Premier League giants Rangers, where he lasted just over four months in charge at Ibrox, and was sacked last month with just a 29% win rate.

Despite his sacking by Southampton and subsequent short Ibrox spell, TEAMtalk outline that Martin “still has admirers at Southampton”, with GIVEMESPORT sources previously reporting that senior Saints players and staff are keen for him to return.

Key statistic

Russell Martin for Southampton

Games in charge

73

Wins

34

Draws

13

Losses

26

Martin enjoyed an impressive 47% win rate as Southampton boss, and saw success in the Championship with his possession-orientated tactics, which contributed to their downfall back in the Premier League under his tutelage with his persistence at playing out from the back.

The 39-year-old manager is reportedly “open to a conversation about returning” to his former employers, but whether he swaps Scotland for the South Coast or the Saints opt for another name on their shortlist remains to be seen.

In addition to Martin, former Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick is also being considered by the Southampton hierarchy, as well as Brendan Rodgers, who recently resigned from Rangers’ arch-rivals Celtic.

Why Southampton Sacked Still Early In Championship Season

Southampton manager Will Still looks on

After his rise to prominence in the French top flight, Still’s arrival at Southampton was met by excitement from their supporters, but his tenure lasted just 16 competitive matches.

Explaining Still’s sacking, Saints Technical Director Johannes Spors told Southampton’s website:

“Will is a great person who gave everything to try and improve performances and results.

“Ultimately that process has taken longer than any of us would have liked. By making a change now we believe it gives us the best chance of turning things around this season and climbing back up the league table.”

Therefore, with Southampton’s aim to quickly climb the Championship table and rescue a promotion push for the 21st-placed side, the pressure will be on Still’s successor, whether it is Martin or another candidate.

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‘High in Their Thinking’ – Tottenham’s £45m Star Shortlisted by Rivals

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Tottenham could be set for Premier League interest in one of their bright young stars this summer. Spurs are in the midst of a squad overhaul as they look to go from relegation candidates to European candidates.

Roberto De Zerbi is going to be handed big money to make changes to his squad, with the Italian likely securing promises from the Spurs higher-ups before even taking the job. Spurs have promised changes this summer after back-to-back bottom-half finishes, and they are now putting their money where their mouth is, already wrapping up four new signings in an impressively efficient window so far.

But mass signings are not always good news for existing players, and one player appears to want out.

Bergvall exit noise is not going away

Lucas Bergvall in action for Tottenham Hotspur

One of Tottenham’s brightest young talents, Lucas Bergvall, is now being heavily linked with a move away this summer. The attacking midfielder clearly has a lot of potential to reach, described as a ‘generational talent’ by Spurs scouting chief Robert Mackenzie, but it has been reported that his route to regular first-team football is now a clear one next season.

That could leave him to leave, and amid growing transfer links, he recently refused to comment on a move, sparking more speculation.

Bergvall, who is at the World Cup with Sweden, told reporters: “As I said: I’m fully focused on the World Cup.” He added: “I’m fully focusing on the World Cup. I’m here with Sweden, and we’re going to try to make a good impression in the U.S. Whatever happens after that, we’ll deal with it then. It’s been a tough season, as I said. But now the focus is on the World Cup and being here.”

In Bergvall’s defence, ‘refusing to rule out’ a move, as it is often described, is treated similar to asking for a move by many, which doesn’t feel particularly fair. Many international players turn off all communications to the club world during an international tournament, and such an approach worked well for Spain at the last Euros.

So, in all likelihood, Bergvall is being truthful with his stance in those comments, but it doesn’t mean a move is not likely this summer. Ultimately, Spurs do have options in the number 10 role, and James Maddison is likely to be the starter there, while Xavi Simons will likely be the secondary option when he returns from injury, likely some time in the winter.

Forest could move for Bergvall this summer

Lucas Bergvall in action for Tottenham Hotspur

If Bergvall is to leave, it is then about the possible suitors, and the Sweden international is likely to have options both in the Premier League and abroad. According to Ben Jacobs, one of the main Premier League options could be Nottingham Forest, who have the playmaker on their shortlist.

Jacobs posted on X: “Liverpool value Jones in the region of £40m, and it is unclear whether Forest are prepared to go that high. Liverpool are content to keep hold of Jones if their asking price is not met. Jones is heading into the final year of his contract but should he remain beyond this summer, talks over a new contract are not ruled out.

“Forest also have Spurs’ Lucas Bergvall high in their thinking. The Swedish midfielder has asked the club to leave as he seeks a new challenge.”

Spurs will reportedly ask for £45million to sell Bergvall this summer.

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Jesse Marsch Slammed By Troy Deeney For ‘BS’ Comment After South Africa v Canada

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Canada continue to make history at the 2026 World Cup, beating South Africa 1-0 to progress to the round of 16.

A relatively uneventful match looked like it was heading for extra time, before Stephen Eustaquio’s 92nd-minute goal sealed victory for Jesse Marsch’s side and broke South African hearts in the process.

They had already made it further than any other Canadian team at the World Cup when they made it out of Group B and into the knockout phase, and they’ve gone one step further, with Marsch quick to praise his side and brand them “Canadian heroes.”

Troy Deeney Questions Marsch’s “Free Hit” Mentality

Troy Deeney

Troy Deeney gave a scathing assessment of Marsch’s choice of words, taking aim at the suggestion that Canada’s last-16 tie is a “free hit,” rather than a genuine shot at progression.

Speaking on CBS Sports, the former Watford and Birmingham City striker said:

“Are we here to try and win? So that means we can lose 10-nil?”

It’s a fair question to raise, given the message it could send to a Canada squad who have already made history simply by reaching this stage of the tournament. Deeney went further, saying: “If that’s the case, go and have a beer now.”

Marcelo Balboa was equally unconvinced by Marsch’s framing, branding it a “bad message” to send to his players ahead of such a significant fixture. The former USMNT defender’s concern centres on the idea that labelling a knockout tie as a “free hit” risks lowering the stakes in players’ minds, regardless of the intention behind it.

Watch more of Deeney’s criticism below:

What’s Next For Canada and Jesse Marsch?

Canada coach Jesse Marsch signals six as he celebrates after the 6-0 World Cup win over Qatar Canada coach Jesse Marsch via REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

Canada now know they’ll face either Morocco or the Netherlands, FIFA’s sixth and seventh ranked nations, for a place in the quarter-finals, a daunting assignment by anyone’s standards.

While Marsch’s comments may have been designed to take the pressure off his squad and encourage them to play with freedom, there’s a risk that framing the game as a “free hit” could have the opposite effect, subtly lowering ambitions at the exact moment Canada require their players to be fully focused on the job at hand.


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It continues a tournament in which Marsch’s man-management style has split opinion, with many likening his somewhat performative approach to the popular TV series, Ted Lasso. Whether his words inspire Canada to another famous result, or end up undermining their belief before kick-off, will be proved in just a handful of days.

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Man Utd Battling Arsenal in Race for World Cup Wonderkid

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Manchester United are reportedly battling it out with Arsenal for one of South America’s most promising talents.

Both the Red Devils and the Gunners have focused on building squads with the future in mind in past transfer windows. Take, for example, United poaching Ayden Heaven from the North Londoners back in February 2025.

United are continuing to target youngsters who can develop into top talent. The latest teenage prospect to be placed on the club’s shortlist is Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora.

Man Utd and Arsenal Among Clubs Eyeing Mora

Gilberto Mora (Mexico) IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

According to Mexican outlet El Universal, Manchester United and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Mora in action during the World Cup. The Club Tijuana attacking midfielder has appeared twice for Mexico, including an impressive showing in a 3-0 win over Czechia.

Mora, only 17, is already featuring for his country on the biggest stage, and he’s tipped to become a superstar. It’s said that English interest in the playmaker has increased during the tournament.

At club level, he is making a name for himself, and he registered six goals and one assist in 20 games across competitions for Tijuana. His profile has been likened to that of Kevin De Bruyne, a superb passer who can dictate games with his impressive dribbling.

Mora made his club debut at the age of 16 and became the youngest ever goalscorer in Mexico’s top-flight. He has previously been on Manchester City’s radar, although there’s no indication that their scouts have also watched him at the World Cup.

Tijuana confirmed that Mora has signed a historic new deal, the club’s biggest ever contract. However, this includes an exit clause which allows him to move to a European club if suitable offers are made.

United Not Leading Race For Mora

Michael Carrick Mikel Arteta

English interest doesn’t mean Mora will end up in the Premier League, as he has also caught the eye of European clubs. TEAMtalk claims that Real Madrid are frontrunners to sign the Mexican, while Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also admirers.

United may therefore have a real fight on their hands to try and win the race for the in-demand attacker. It’s important that they guarantee senior football for the player who will clearly prioritise regular first-team action.

Heaven is an example of a youth signing who has been brought into the first-team fold. Michael Carrick has blended youth with experience since replacing Ruben Amorim in January.


michael carrick


Man Utd Can Sign ‘One Of The Best DMs In the World’ With £55m Transfer Sacrifice

The Red Devils could pull off a clever move to land a midfielder they like

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