Saints put faith in Martin to lead march back to top flight

Russell Martin has been tasked with guiding Southampton back to the Premier League.

The relegated Saints have poached the highly-rated coach from Swansea, where a nine-game unbeaten run to end the season saw the Welsh outfit finish 10th in the Championship.

Martin, 37, said: "It’s a privilege to accept this opportunity at Southampton, a club with such a long and rich history. 

"My aim is to get this club back where it belongs — in the top flight of English football. 

"I am ready for this challenge and will give everything to achieve this aim and to give the supporters a team that makes them proud. 

"I’m thrilled to be here and cannot wait for the work to begin."

Ruben Selles, who oversaw a thrilling 4-4 draw with Liverpool at St Mary's on the final day of the season, took over from Nathan Jones in February.

Despite aspirations to make amends for the club's drop down to the second tier, the Spaniard was not chosen as the man to lead their promotion tilt.

Instead, former Scotland defender Martin has decided to swap South Wales for the South Coast with just one year left on his Swans contract.

Southampton's director of football Jason Wilcox said: "Russell has shown fantastic qualities in his managerial career so far and is someone we believe will thrive in the great environment we have here. 

"He is a fantastic fit for what we are trying to achieve, with a strong record of developing and nurturing young, talented players to fulfil their potential and deliver results on the pitch. 

"We can't wait for Russell to get started working with the team at Staplewood as we get ready for the new season."