Russell Martin to make final Rangers pitch as dramatic manager u-turn emerges
Rangers are set to appoint their latest manager this week, but it is still unclear which candidate they will choose as their next permanent boss.
Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti have both been heavily linked with the role, and the Gers will be aiming to make an appointment as soon as possible.
Rangers are set for a new era as they aim to appoint a new manager and will also bear the fruits of a takeover from the 49ers Enterprises in the coming weeks.
One other candidate linked with the role was former Gers player Russell Martin, but he has now emerged as a potential frontrunner despite being in talks elsewhere.
Rangers still considering Martin appointment
Martin, who had a failed loan spell at Rangers in 2018 during his playing career, has had a mixed spell in management in recent years, but some impressive stints in the English Championship.
Relegated Premier League side Leicester City were thought to be close to appointing him, but as it stands they are yet to sack Ruud van Nistelrooy following the end of their dismal campaign.
| Competiton (2024/25) | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Premier League | 16 | 1 | 2 | 13 |
Scottish Sun Sport (27 May) have now reported that despite the Leicester agreement appearing close, Martin will meet Rangers chiefs to engage in more talks in the coming days.
Senior figures at Ibrox are said to be discussing the ex-Scotland defender as an option, and they will give him the chance to present his ideas to turn things around in a fresh round of talks this week.
Martin is said to remain eager on a move to Glasgow, with “major investment” now close.
Martin could be suited to Rangers
There may be plenty of scepticism over Martin given that his Premier League stint with Southampton went so badly, but he was perhaps doomed from the start in the top flight.
At both Swansea City and Southampton in the Championship, Martin implemented his style of play, which saw his sides build from the back and dominate possession.
This helped Southampton achieve promotion from the Championship, and as a dominant side in the division, his style worked.
However, with Southampton outmatched in resources in the top flight, Martin’s stubborn refusal to change style saw him dismissed.
If he were to join Rangers, Martin would be given backing to build his squad, and his style could work at Ibrox as one of the dominant sides in the Scottish Premiership.
Whoever Rangers end up appointing, an announcement will need to be made quickly to end speculation and allow planning for next season to get fully underway under the 49ers.