Andrew Cavenagh signs off on new Rangers arrival, long-term deal agreed
Rangers have been without a permanent manager since their decision to sack previous incumbent Philippe Clement back in February.
Barry Ferguson has been in interim charge of the team since then, and while he had previously expressed his interest in continuing in the role on a permanent basis, the club have understanably been keen to look elsewhere.
The Bears’ fortunes didn’t really improve under Ferguson, as they ultimately finished a distant 17 points behind Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.
Rangers’ city rivals have now claimed 14 of the last 15 league titles, meaning their next appointment will be vital if they are to wrestle back some control.
Andrew Cavenagh has sealed the deal for Russell Martin to become the new boss
Rangers have taken their time in their hunt for their next appointment.
Davide Ancelotti had been linked with the job for a lengthy period after leaving Real Madrid at the end of last season, while the likes of Sean Dyche and Danny Rohl have also been touted for the role.
The club’s chairman, Andrew Cavenagh, has now signed off on a deal to make Russell Martin the next man to step into the dugout at Ibrox, in what is the new regime’s first major decision since their recent takeover.
Martin is set to ink a long-term deal at the club, according to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack (4 June), and the former Southampton and Swansea City boss will be supported by Matty Gill as his second in command.
It i understood that former Rangers defender Maurice Ross could also make up part of the new-look coaching staff.
Martin will bring a distinctive style of football
Martin has already built a big reputation for himself as a coach, and it is abundantly clear what style of football he will look to bring to his teams.
The 39-year-old led Southampton to the Premier League whilst playing high-energy, entertaining attacking football, and while that approach didn’t serve them well at all in the top flight, he still received plaudits from some quarters for sticking to his principles.
Martin has received criticism at times for his lack of ability to adapt to different situations within a game, but if you want to instil a passing style of play that easy on the eye, then there are few better to do that.
The first decision from Rangers’ new owners comes as a clear sign of the direction in which they hope to take the club.