Russell Martin announcement update drops as Rangers enter final manager negotiations
Russell Martin appears to be close to becoming the next permanent Rangers manager, succeeding Philippe Clement.
Barry Ferguson replaced Clement and took over as interim manager, but his tenure yielded few positives.
Davide Ancelotti was also understood to be in the running, but the former Southampton boss now seems to be the favourite to get the job.
Martin announcement unlikely to be made on Tuesday
According to the Scottish Sun (3 June), the 39-year-old will not be officially announced as the Gers boss on Tuesday.
He is understood to be on the brink of becoming the next manager and is currently in final negotiations over personal terms.
Martin has seen off competition from Ancelotti, Steven Gerrard, Brian Priske and Francesco Farioli to get the job at the 55-time SPFL champions.
| Russell Martin – managerial career | |
| Milton Keynes Dons | 2019-2021 |
| Swansea City | 2021-2023 |
| Southampton | 2023-2024 |
The Ibrox outfit will not have to pay any compensation to acquire him as he was sacked by Southampton this past season.
Having guided the Saints to promotion last season, his side was not quite ready for the challenge in the Premier League and he’ll now look to kick-start a new era in his career.
Rangers fans should be happy with Martin’s appointment
Martin’s struggles at Southampton were significantly influenced by the board’s shortcomings.
Despite his success in securing promotion via the playoffs and a 25-game unbeaten run, Southampton’s recruitment failed to deliver a squad capable of Premier League survival.
Martin pushed for signings like Matt O’Riley, Liam Delap, and Jack Clarke, but the board’s cautious spending, scarred by past financial missteps, left him with a Championship-level squad.
Tactical missteps stemmed from limited options rather than managerial ineptitude.
Rangers fans should be excited about Martin’s appointment, as his possession-based, high-pressing style, which has been honed at Swansea and Southampton, could dominate the Scottish Premiership.
His Scottish roots and brief playing stint at Rangers add connection, while the new 49ers ownership’s investment promises better support, setting Martin up to deliver trophies and European progress.