Former Albion under-23s boss Simon Rusk been placed in interim charge at Southampton.
Rusk was given the temporary role this evening as Russell Martin was sacked.
The axe fell for Martin after a 5-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, in which all the goals came in the first half.
A club statement read: “We have all been on the same page in recognising the urgency of needing results to improve.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Russell and his staff for all the hard work and dedication they have given the club on and off the pitch over the last 18 months.
“Everyone connected with Southampton FC will always have fantastic memories of last season, especially the Play-Off Final win in May.”
Martin, who comes from Brighton, was hoping to build on a recent 1-1 draw at the Amex to drag his side away from the foot of the table.
However, they have since crashed 5-1 to Chelsea and 5-0 to Spurs as well as losing 1-0 at Aston Villa.
Rusk, 42, had six impressive years as head coach of the Albion development team, taking charge of players including Viktor Gyokeres, Ben White and Aaron Connolly..
He took a similar role with Saints last July.
The axe for Martin followed similar developments at survival rivals Wolves, who sacked Gary O’Neil.
Southampton said they have placed Rusk in charge “until we announce a permanent replacement.”
