Rangers set to unveil Russell Martin as new head coach

Rangers are set to confirm the appointment of Russell Martin as their new head coach.

Rangers have been on the hunt for a new manager since the departure of Philippe Clement in February with Gers icon Barry Ferguson taking the reins on an interim basis until the end of the 2024/25 season.

After a consortium of investors fronted by Andrew Cavanagh and 49ers Enteprises completed their takeover of the club last week, the new ownership group are expected to conclude a protracted recruitment process by making their first major decision with the appointment of Martin.

The 39-year-old had a brief spell on loan at Rangers towards the end of a 15-year playing career that saw him make over 300 appearances for Norwich City.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano said: "Rangers are closing in on the appointment of Russell Martin as new head coach.

The former Southampton manager has already accepted the project and is ready for the new chapter.

Martin's prospective appointment has brought an end to a fascinating Next Rangers Manager market.

Reflecting on the endless list of names who have been linked with the vacancy, bet365's Sports and Betting expert Steve Freeth said: “Steven Gerrard was the early favourite with reports linking the former Gers boss with a second stint in the Ibrox hotseat, priced at 7/2 back at the end of February, with Russell Martin opening at 6/1.

“The incumbent Barry Ferguson was as short as 5/2 to take the job on a permanent basis after a promising start as interim manager, with Hearts boss Derek McInnes again being linked with the Rangers gig, going as short as 2/1.

“Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl was another who was prominent in the betting at 5/2 with Jose Mourinho going as short as 4/1 for what would have been a stunning move to Scotland.

“Martin neared evens in mid-March as 5/4 favourite before Gerrard went odds-on at 4/5 a month later.

“Money kept coming for the former Liverpool man who shortened throughout the month and was 1/4 on 25th April with Martin as big as 20/1.

“By the end of April, Marco Rose was the latest name prominent in the betting, taking favouritism from Gerrard at 10/11 before Davide Ancelotti entered the running in May.

“In less than a week, each of Gerrard, Ancelotti and Rose went odds-on favourite with ever-changing reports linking all three to the job.

“Gerrard finally looked set to be hired as the season drew to a close, going 1/7 on 20th May before eventually withdrawing from the running as Ancelotti appeared to be in line for the job, going 4/9 on 25th May.

“By the end of the week, Martin was back in the running at 5/2, trading favouritism with Ancelotti before we finally called time on Tuesday morning, bringing an end to one of the most volatile markets in recent memory.”

Martin looking to bounce back from Southampton exit

Martin has been out of work since being sacked by Southampton in December 2024 with the club rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.

Despite Southampton's alarming form in the top-flight, Martin earned an array of plaudits for the style of football he implemented during his stint at St Mary's.

Martin first ventured into management with MK Dons in 2019 where he introduced a possession-based system and his work with the League One outfit resulted in a move to Swansea City ahead of the 2021/22 Championship campaign.

Despite failing to finish higher than 10th across his two seasons with the club, Martin was a hugely popular figure at the Swansea.com Stadium and his unwavering commitment to a distinctive style prompted Southampton's interest in 2023 following their relegation from the Premier League.

Tasked with overseeing an immediate return to the top-flight, Martin overcame a difficult start to steer the Saints to a club-record 25-game unbeaten run before defeating Leeds United in the Championship play-off final.

While Southampton were braced for a tough campaign back in the Premier League, Martin's reluctance to deviate from his principles received widespread criticism as the Saints' survival chances deteriorated under his stewardship.

However, with Rangers seemingly set to embark on a promising new period under Cavenagh and the 49ers, Martin's methods could flourish at Ibrox.

Rangers finished the previous Scottish Premiership season in second, 17 points adrift of champions Celtic.

The Glasgow giants will have an opportunity to contest the UEFA Champions League next term as they enter the competition at the second qualifying round stage, which means they must win three two-legged fixtures to reach the League Phase.

With the club's new majority owners promising investment in the playing squad, Martin will hope to have the tools to launch a genuine charge towards the Scottish Premiership summit while competing for honours in both the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup.

Jaquob Crooke

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