Who is Southampton interim boss Simon Rusk and what can we expect?

Rusk has been named interim head coach following Russell Martin's dismissal and will serve in the role until Sport Republic hire a new manager.

Southampton's bosses decided to sack the 38 year old with the club rooted to the bottom of the table.

Rusk is still a relatively new name at Staplewood having only joined the club's youth coaching staff in the summer. Here's everything you need to know about the interim boss...

Here's everything you need to know about Saints interim boss Simon Rusk. (Image: PA) Who is Simon Rusk?

Simon Rusk is a 42 year old coach, now tasked with leading Southampton while the club's hierarchy search for a permanent successor to Martin.

As a player, he made 205 appearances - the bulk of those coming in the National League with Crawley, York City, Northwich Victoria and Rushden & Diamonds.

Simon Rusk playing for Crawley Town against Manchester United. 

Rusk had fostered a relationship with Martin before he departed from Saints on Sunday evening.

The under-21s train on the pitch next to the senior team and the coaches work out of neighbouring offices.

During Southampton's 5-3 Carabao Cup victory at Cardiff City in August, Rusk worked alongside the senior coaches.

U21s boss Simon Rusk here with the senior staff - interested to see if he’s involved in anyway given the youthful squad. #SaintsFC pic.twitter.com/3a1l5biSfE

— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) August 28, 2024

He will be familiar with several players who have stepped down to play in the Premier League 2 under him this season.

Joe Lumley, Jack Stephens, Ronnie Edwards, Nathan Wood, Ryan Manning, Juan Larios, Charlie Taylor, Ben Brereton Diaz and Sam Amo-Ameyaw have worked with the interim boss.

Ben Brereton Diaz played for Simon Rusk's under-21s. (Image: Chris Moorhouse / Southampton FC) Where has he coached before?

Rusk arrived at Saints this summer having most recently worked as a set-piece coach for Premier League survivors Nottingham Forest.

He took the role in December 2023 and helped Forest avoid relegation to the Championship in the season's final weeks.

To date, Rusk's only senior head coach role came at Stockport County in 2021. He served in the role between January and November, before being sacked.

He guided them to the play-offs in his first season but was relieved of his duties, after only nine months, with the club sitting 10th in the National League after 12 games.

Simon Rusk pictured in the dugout with Nottingham Forest last season. (Image: PA).After leaving Stockport, he headed further north and took a role as Dundee's assistant boss. He lasted just five months there.

READ MORE: Russell Martin heaps praise on new Southampton U21 boss Simon Rusk

His contract was not renewed after Dundee's relegation from the Scottish Premiership.

Rusk's best work has come in the youth game. He built his reputation as Brighton's under-23s head coach, a role he held for nine years.

More recently, Rusk worked as England's under-19 head coach until taking the job at Forest in December of last year.

Simon Rusk worked as England U19 head coach. (Image: PA)

What should we expect from Rusk tactically?

Rusk's under-21s like to get to retain possession but aim to get the ball forward quickly. They often attempt balls in behind for their pacy forwards or ask them to drive with the ball.

Speaking to the Daily Echo earlier this season, Rusk explained: “Quick attacking on the turnover is a big part of the modern game.

"We want to dominate possession but we also want to dominate on transitions.”

Rusk won't be expected to implement his philosophy in such a short period and may prefer to adopt a different approach with this set of players.

However, he was appointed due to sharing the philosophy of football Sport Republic want throughout the club.

Simon Rusk will be in the dugout against Liverpool on Wednesday evening. (Image: Southampton FC) What has he achieved this season?

Southampton's under-21s currently sit 16th in the Premier League 2 table with 13 points after 10 games.

His side most recently suffered a 5-1 defeat at Manchester United on Saturday. They have, however, beaten current PL2 champions Spurs this season.

Who will be on his staff?

Saints are yet to confirm who will serve on Rusk's staff when Saints take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.

Former Premier League winger Matthew Etherington is the current under-21s assistant and Ryan Flood works as the goalkeeper coach. Both could step up to the senior staff for now.

Former West Ham winger Matthew Etherington is Saints under-21s assistant

First-team player Adam Lallana has coaching experience, having worked with England's under-21s, and may be asked to step in until a full set of interim staff can be put in place.

The 36 year old has played a key role off the field, mentoring Tyler Dibling and Sam Amo-Ameyaw, and has regularly sat with coaches while on the bench.