Our founder Russell Martin will make a welcome return to Sussex tonight as his Southampton team take on Brighton & Hove Albion at the American Express Community Stadium (kick-off 8pm).

This will be the second time Russell has been in the visitors dugout as a manager at the Amex, but the first time as a Premiership manager. Back in October 2020 his Championship side, Swansea City lost 2-0 to the Seagulls in the 4th round of the Carabao Cup.

Russell was brought up in the Hollingbury area of Brighton and Hove and attended Varndean School. As a teenager he played for Brighton Boys where he was coached by RMF chief executive, Alan Sanders.

He enjoyed an illustrious playing career making over 500 appearances for six clubs and winning 29 caps for Scotland. He began his managerial career with MK Dons in 2019 before a successful spell with Swansea City led Southampton to appointing him as their manager in 2023. He took the club back to the Premiership in his first season in charge, securing promotion with victory against Leeds United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, last May.

His connections to Sussex were strengthened when he set up The Russell Martin Foundation in 2017 as a way to give back to communities across Brighton and Hove and Sussex. Last summer, Russell was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Brighton in recognition of his work to improve the lives of young people across Sussex through RMF.

RMF, CEO, Alan Sanders, said:

“I’m sure it will be a proud moment for Russell to back in his home city for the first time as a Premiership manger. It’s been incredible to watch his career and see the success he has enjoyed as a player and a manager, but he has always been committed to supporting and helping those from where he was born and brought up.

“Everyone at RMF is extremely proud of what he has achieved but especially what he has achieved through setting up and continuing the lead the charity. This will ultimately be his greatest legacy to Brighton and Hove and Sussex.”

Even though there are quite a few Brighton fans here at RMF, we all wish Russell the best of luck tonight!”

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