The saga has been dragging on for the best part of a month, but finally as Saints officially joined the Championship, the appointment could be announced and now we know where we are going.
The best kept secret of the last month is now official with Southampton FC finally making the announcement at around 7pm on Wednesday evening that Russell Martin is now the new first team manager at St Mary's.
This was of course only a surprise to someone living the Arctic Circle and having lost internet connection for the last month.
Some Saints supporters have been complaining that the club was a shambles and didn't know what it was doing, but the truth is this has been done and dusted and the pictures taken and the quotes compiled for over a Month, Russell Martin might still have been Swansea manager up till yesterday evening, but he has been working with the Director of Football Jason Wilcox and others behind the scenes, identifying transfer targets etc.
Saints certainly seem to think that he is their man and this is not another Nathan Jones situation, with a little known manager coming in above his weight.
Speaking on Southampton FC official website press release , Southampton FC Chairman, Henrik Kraft, said: "We are extremely excited to welcome Russell to Southampton.
"Russell was the stand-out candidate throughout our recruitment process and we are confident his strong track record, alongside the experienced leadership of our new Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, will deliver great results.”
Director of Football, Jason Wilcox, added: "Russell has shown fantastic qualities in his managerial career so far and is someone who we believe will thrive in the great environment we have here at Southampton.
"He is a fantastic fit for what we are trying to achieve, with a strong record of developing and nurturing young, talented players to fulfil their potential and deliver results on the pitch.
"We can’t wait for Russell to get started working with the team at Staplewood as we get ready for the new season.”
Of course Martin himself was clearly delighted.
"It’s a privilege to accept this opportunity at Southampton, a club with such a long and rich history.
"My aim is to get this club back where it belongs - in the top flight of English football.
"I am ready for this challenge and will give everything to achieve this aim and to give the supporters a team that makes them proud.
"I’m thrilled to be here and cannot wait for the work to begin.”