Southampton confirm Ruben Selles departure at end of season

Southampton have announced that head coach Ruben Selles will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 39-year-old was placed in charge of the first team until the end of the season following the sacking of Nathan Jones in February.

Before taking the reins on a permanent basis, Selles won his only game in caretaker charge, leading the Saints to a narrow 1-0 away victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

However, Selles has since won just one, drawn three and lost 11 of his last 15 matches in charge in all competitions, with a 2-0 defeat at home to Fulham on May 13 confirming Southampton's relegation from the Premier League after 11 years in the top flight.

Selles has continuously expressed his desire to remain in charge at St Mary's, but Southampton have decided against renewing his contract beyond this season.

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A club statement read: "Southampton Football Club can confirm that it has held conversations with Men's First Team Manager, Ruben Selles, and decided that his contract will not be renewed when it expires at the end of the season.

"The club wants to place on record its thanks to Ruben for taking on the managerial position at a difficult time for the club and for giving his all as we attempted to stay in the Premier League.

"Ruben will take charge of the team for the final game against Liverpool on Sunday at St Mary's. We wish him all the best for his future career."

Sky Sports News reports that Swansea City boss Russell Martin has verbally agreed to take over at Southampton in the Championship next season.

The Saints are understood to be in advanced talks with Swansea over the 37-year-old's compensation package and his backroom staff.

Martin has been in charge of Swansea since the summer of 2021 and guided the Welsh club to a 10th-placed finish in the Championship this season.