Former glamour model Lucy Pinder and Premier League boss Russell Martin make relationship public as pair pose for seaside selfie

Martin, who savoured play-off final glory last season as he guided the Saints back to the big time at the first time of asking, is said to be “besotted” with his new 40-year-old partner. They have grown close over recent months and were pictured together as Martin was awarded an honorary degree by Brighton University.

Pinder is a “die-hard” Southampton fan and also joined Martin at a Sky Sports function, which led friends to suggest that the couple are “smitten”. A source has told The Sun: “They’re a match made in heaven — or at least in Southampton. They’re mad for each other.”

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Martin split with fitness model wife Jasmine – the mother of his three children – in 2023. He has now grown close to Pinder, with The Sun’s insider adding: “There was no crossover. Russ’s marriage ended and he was glum. It was all about looking after the kids and making sure they were OK. But amid the grief, 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.”

Martin, who forged his coaching reputation at MK Dons and Swansea, linked up with Southampton in the summer of 2023. He secured promotion in his debut campaign at the helm and is now preparing for a 2024-25 Premier League season opener against Newcastle on August 17.