Rangers make approach to hire Russell Martin as Steven Gerrard replacement
Rangers have approached Swansea with “discreet enquiries” about hiring Russell Martin as their next manager, according to The Mirror.
With Steven Gerrard set to join Aston Villa, the Light Blues have wasted no time in trying to find a replacement.
It is understood that Rangers expect Gerrard to accept Villa’s offer and they have now made the “surprise choice” to eye up ex-Ibrox loanee Martin, who spent part of the 2017/18 season on loan in Govan.
No messing about
While the Mirror reports that it’s a “surprise” that Martin has emerged on Rangers’ radar, one thing that doesn’t shock us is that the club is seeking a speedy resolution to the managerial situation at Ibrox.
Gerrard seems unlikely to be in charge when the Gers next play when they take on Hibernian at Hampden in the Scottish League Cup semi-final on November 21.
That’s a massive game, as is the Europa League showdown with Sparta Prague that follows. If we don’t win that, we’re looking at a third or fourth-place finish in Group A.
Martin’s a relatively inexperienced manager but the 35-year-old has already had jobs at MK Dons and current club Swansea, who are 12th in the English Championship.
We cannot say too much about whether he’d be a good hire or not. We just hope that if he does come to Rangers, he’ll do a lot better as the manager as he did in that loan spell back in 2018.
The ex-Scotland international played 17 times in all competitions for the Gers that season and was part of a defence that was battered 5-0 to Celtic, conceded three goals to Hamilton, two goals to Motherwell and five to Hibs.
In other Rangers news, another ex-Gers defender has been mooted to replace Gerrard at Ibrox.