Simon Rusk has left Southampton just 12 months after joining, as incoming head coach Will Still completes a wide-ranging restructuring of the club’s technical team.
Rusk originally arrived in July 2024 as Under-21s Head Coach before stepping into the senior set-up, first as a first-team coach and later as interim boss following the departure of Ivan Jurić in April. He helped steady the ship during a historically difficult Premier League campaign, including a 1–1 draw with West Ham that ensured the Saints avoided matching Derby County’s infamous 11-point record from 2007–08.
Now under the guidance of Still, who was appointed in late May, Southampton have begun reshaping their football operations both on and off the pitch. Rusk departs alongside goalkeeping coach Dean Thornton and analyst Ben Parker – both of whom arrived under former boss Russell Martin in 2023.
New Southampton Additions
Among Still’s new additions is experienced coach Paul Trollope, who takes on the role of assistant. The former Wales international made nearly 500 appearances in his playing days and later managed Bristol Rovers, guiding them to League One promotion, an FA Cup quarter-final, and an EFL Trophy final. Trollope has held senior coaching roles at Birmingham, Cardiff, Norwich, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Luton, and was part of Chris Coleman’s Wales setup during Euro 2016.
Still has retained key figures, including recently retired midfielder Adam Lallana, who continues in a first-team coaching role, as does Carl Martin. Spanish coach Rubén Martínez has joined as goalkeeping coach, linking up again with Still after working together at Reims.
Martínez previously worked with Tito Vilanova at Barcelona and held posts at Brighton, Watford, Olympiacos, and Celta Vigo. More recently, he helped Spain win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics while on the staff of the national Under-21 side.
Writer’s View
This overhaul represents the clearest sign yet of Will Still putting his stamp on Southampton. While Simon Rusk deserves credit for his contribution in difficult circumstances – not least avoiding the league’s lowest-ever points total – his departure signals a reset.
Paul Trollope’s appointment brings gravitas and experience, exactly what a young manager like Still will benefit from. Rubén Martínez adds a continental pedigree and a track record of elite youth development, while the decision to retain Adam Lallana offers some much-needed continuity.
The changes in the academy also reflect an aligned philosophy with Spors and Stapley now clearly exerting influence behind the scenes. Tonda Eckert is a forward-thinking choice with strong pedigree in youth development and an existing relationship with senior decision-makers.
With Premier League survival no longer on the agenda, this feels like the start of a longer-term rebuild – and Southampton finally committing to one clear identity.
