Swansea City are suing Russell Martin for “breach of contract” after his defection to Championship rivals Southampton last summer.
The South Wales club took their former manager to the High Court and following Southampton’s 3-2 victory over Watford on Saturday, Martin said: “They have been suing me all season.
“I don’t really know what to say about it, but it hasn’t been a huge distraction. I don’t think it’s the people at the club, I think it’s the people who own the club and it’s probably a bit personal.
“It’s their prerogative and it is what it is, and it’s not a problem.”
The South Wales club have taken their former manager to the High Court almost nine months after his controversial departure.
Swansea warned last summer that they would seek “full compensation” for Russell, who they said still had more than a year left on his contract.
They were said to be demanding £2 million, with Southampton willing to pay just over half that amount.
It is unclear whether Swansea ended up accepting any offers from their rivals.
“Martin had just over 12 months remaining on the three-year contract he signed upon arriving at the Swansea.com Stadium in August 2021,” the club said last summer.
“The club also remains firm in our belief that we are owed full compensation for Russell and will continue to work diligently and strategically to protect the best interests of the club.”
Former Scotland defender Martin, 38, replaced Rubén Sellés as Southampton manager on a three-year contract following their relegation from the Premier League last season.
Henrik Kraft, Southampton chairman, said Martin was the “standout candidate”, while the new manager added: “It is a privilege to accept this opportunity at Southampton, a club with such a long and rich history.
“My aim is to take this club back to where it belongs – in the top flight of English football.”
Since then, Martin has dragged them on a rollercoaster Championship promotion run and they are all but guaranteed a play-off place with several games remaining.
Swansea appointed Barnsley’s Michael Duff to replace Martin, but he was sacked in December, with the club 18th in the table and in danger of relegation.
They moved up to 15th after bringing in Luke Williams from Notts County and are close to securing their safety.
Swansea and Southampton have been approached for comment.
