Russell Martin ‘last on Rangers manager shortlist’ after Ibrox limitations
Rangers may have Russell Martin on their periphery as Ibrox continues its search for a new manager.
Barry Ferguson has left after drawing 2-2 against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, with the interim head coach’s spell coming to an end.
Martin has been linked with a return to Ibrox after being without a job since he was sacked at Southampton earlier in the season.
Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti are also on the Gers’ shortlist and seen as better fits for the top job at the Glaswegian outfit.
Rangers don’t have players that suit Martin
Martin has been ranked last among the managers being linked to the Light Blues.
Marvin Bartley believes the ex-Saints boss is third among the final three candidates to be appointed at the Bears, as the current crop of players at Ibrox don’t suit the Scottish manager’s style of play.
| Competiton (2024/25) | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Premier League | 16 | 1 | 2 | 13 |
The ex-Bournemouth midfielder feels Gerrard and Ancelotti are ahead of Martin to become the next permanent head coach at the Glaswegian outfit.
Speaking on Clyde 1, via Record (25 May), Bartley said: “I don’t think Rangers have the players to play the way Martin would have wanted to play. I just listed the final three, I got Gerrard one, Ancelotti two and Martin three.
“Just because I don’t believe that there are players within that squad, still under contract, that can play the way he played at Southampton.”
Ibrox faithful anticipate new managerial appointment soon
Ferguson seemingly wanted to stay at Ibrox, but the Gers’ hierarchy had other ideas.
With the Light Blues getting rid of the former Scotland international quickly after the final game of the season, it would suggest that they already had their preferred candidate in mind.
But supporters will be frustrated that the Light Blues are still waiting to confirm their new head coach, with pre-season preparations still needing to be completed.
It doesn’t look like Martin will be appointed by Rangers, with the former Southampton manager in talks to join Leicester City.
Gerrard and Ancelotti seem to be the two significant names remaining on the Gers’ managerial shortlist, and it’ll be interesting to see who gets the job ahead of next season.
While some among the Ibrox faithful don’t want to see the Liverpool icon return, there are also doubts about the former Real Madrid assistant manager’s lack of experience.
If the Englishman and the Italian coach are indeed the last candidates standing, supporters’ reactions will undoubtedly be mixed, no matter who is appointed.
The situation in G51 will be one to watch, as the coming days may provide more clarity on the matter.