West Brom, Leeds United and Norwich City could force Championship managerial change

West Brom could end Russell Martin's reign as Southampton boss if they beat them on Friday, according to a report.

The Baggies and the Saints are evenly poised following a goalless first leg at the Hawthorns. Carlos Corberan admitted that it was the best atmosphere he had ever heard of during his managerial career 25,367 in attendance.

His opposite number Russell Martin spoke of how the weather had an impact on the game. Drinks breaks had to be introduced as the players battled the conditions.

Martin may find himself sweating a bit more though, as according to the Daily Mail, his job is at risk if he fails to get the club to the Championship play-off final. Clubs who fail to win promotion after being relegated from the Premier League are tasked with either going with the same approach or going in a different direction.

Southampton finished fourth, a whole nine points behind second-placed Ipswich Town. They spent at least £10m to sign Ross Stewart from Sunderland and also signed Flynn Downes, Ryan Fraser, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Bournemouth duo Joe Rothwell and David Brooks on loan.

Only one of the teams relegated from the Premier League can go up, but there is a possibility in which West Brom and Norwich City win which would result in both of them staying down.

Martin signed a three-year contract with Southampton in June 2023 after leaving Swansea City. His former club are suing him and now Southampton for a 'breach of contract' according to WalesOnline, and so there is an added motivation to succeed with Southampton to make the move to St Mary's Stadium worthwhile.

Assessing his sides chances, he said in his post-match press conference: "We can definitely do a lot better and that is the exciting thing for us. We have to win a game at home to get to Wembley.

‘It was important to avoid any damage ahead of the home leg. We didn’t start brilliantly but we defended well and to keep a clean sheet is nice.

‘When there’s a lot at stake, you are tense and your legs can feel heavy as a player. Maybe that is part of the reason why both games ended 0-0 today. I was sweating on the sidelines so I dread to think what it must have been like out there in the heat.’