FORMER Premier League footballer Danny Murphy believes Saints left it too late to sack manager Russell Martin.

Martin was relieved of his duties a little over an hour after Southampton's 5-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday evening.

The retired defender departs St Mary's with the club bottom of the Premier League with five points from 16 games.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy explained where he feels things went wrong for Martin in the Premier League.

Russell Martin has been sacked by Southampton.Russell Martin has been sacked by Southampton. (Image: PA).He said: "They have imploded a lot rather than just being beaten. They are being beaten by quality, but a lot of their problems have been brought on themselves.

“I do feel for him because he did so well to get them up but football is ruthless.

"When you’re at the bottom of the Premier League and the supporters want to stay up, you are going to be moved on.

“Someone else will come in now and they’ll have one hell of a job. I think it’s too late for them.”

Sheffield Wednesday boss and former Saints assistant Danny Rohl is the current bookmakers favourite to succeed Martin.

Under-21s manager Simon Rusk has been put in interim charge ahead of Southampton's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on Wednesday.