SOUTHAMPTON boss Russell Martin escaped fears over the sack on a luxury holiday with former glamour girl partner Lucy Pinder.
Martin’s Saints are bottom of the Premier League table with just four points from 11 matches.
The promoted side have won only once, losing nine times in the process.
And pressure has been growing on Martin over his fanatical desire to dominate possession in every game.
The 38-year-old went into the international break as the bookies’ joint-favourite for the chop with West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui.
But with players returning to their clubs, Martin has survived at St Mary’s for now.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
And he enjoyed a trip away from the south coast over the fortnight with girlfriend Pinder, 40.
SunSport exclusively revealed their relationship had kicked off in August.
Pinder is a die-hard Saints fan and the pair were previously seen together at a Sky Sports social function.
And during the international period they enjoyed some more quality time with a beach break in Cornwall.
Most read in Football
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
The loved-up couple posed for a heartwarming photo together on the sand.
While another snap showed them enjoying a stroll along a cliff.
Martin will be hoping the trip can inspire his Saints side to victory against table toppers Liverpool this weekend.
A tough run then sees Southampton face Brighton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham in the league before Liverpool again in the Carabao Cup.
But Martin is sure to be supported all the way by Pinder.
A source told SunSport in August: “They’re a match made in heaven — or at least in Southampton.
“They’re mad for each other. Amid the grief (of his marriage ending), as he threw himself into work, Russ grew intimate with Lucy.
“She is a regular face at Southampton functions and is always around the club as a die-hard fan.
“Over the weeks and months their friendship grew into something more.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Pinder now works as a TV personality after shooting to fame as a glamour model in the early 2000s.
She starred in now-defunct lads’ mags like Nuts, FHM and Loaded before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
