Southampton finally CONFIRM new manager months after sacking Nathan Jones in brutal season that saw them relegated

SOUTHAMPTON have announced former Swansea boss Russell Martin as their new manager.

The 37-year-old has signed a three-year contract at St Mary's and replaces Nathan Jones, who was sacked in February.

Jones, 50, was relieved of his duties after just 14 games in charge, with Ruben Selles initially stepping in as caretaker boss until the end of the season.

With Selles not kept on full time, Martin now steps into Jones' vacated role.

Known for his brave, possession-based style of play, Martin led to Swansea to tenth in the Championship last term.

He spent two seasons at the Liberty Stadium, after leaving MK Dons to take on the role in South Wales.

Following his arrival at St Mary's, Martin 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."

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Director of football Jason Wilcox added: "Russell has shown fantastic qualities in his managerial career so far and is someone who we believe will thrive in the great environment we have here at Southampton.

"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."

Martin will lead Southampton into their first Championship campaign since the 2011-12 season.

Their 11-year stint in the Premier League came to an end following a dismal season that saw them finish bottom on 25 points.

Saints won just six Prem matches all season, with two of those triumphs coming under Jones' predecessor Ralph Hasenhuttl, who was sacked prior to the World Cup.

Swansea, meanwhile, are closing in on Barnsley boss Michael Duff to replace Martin.

Duff, 45, led the Tykes to a fourth place finish in League One last term, and guided previous club Cheltenham to promotion from League Two.