Russell Martin backed for Rangers success after what Gunn can personally vouch
Russell Martin looks set to become the new manager of Rangers after weeks of drawn-out speculation.
After plenty of deliberation at Ibrox, the 49ers Enterprises seem to have settled on the answer to their woes being the former Southampton boss.
With Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard also being heavily linked to the vacancy previously, supporters have been split on who would be the best man for the role.
Angus Gunn, however, reckons Rangers and Martin could be a match made in heaven.
Martin to bring fresh ideas to Rangers
The 49ers have completed their takeover at Ibrox, but the process of selecting a manager has been slower than they may have hoped.
Understandably, the new investors are keen to hit the ground running and therefore, getting their first big appointment right is a must.
Although Ancelotti was thought to be closing in on a deal to become the next Ibrox boss, concerns were emerging over his lack of solo experience so far.
Meanwhile, while it was Gerrard who ruled himself out of the race, appointing him could have been seen as going backwards rather than looking for progression.
Martin may have struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League with Southampton, ultimately leading to his dismissal, but Gunn has backed him to get back to his best.
| Job | Win Rate |
| Southampton | 45.21% |
| Swansea City | 36.36% |
| MK Dons | 37.5% |
Speaking to Sky Sports (3 June), the Scotland goalkeeper said: “I only worked with him as a player at Norwich. He’s a very intellectual guy. I went in there as a young goalkeeper, and he helped me massively, even though he wasn’t in the team every week and playing regularly.
“He was the captain of the club, and he had good relationships with everyone in the dressing room.
“Obviously, watching what he’s done at Southampton, I thought he’d done incredibly well there and probably was unfortunate to lose his job there because it’s always difficult for teams coming up from the Championship to even compete with some of the Premier League teams.
“I watch him now on the TV and the way he wants to play and his philosophy. I really hope whatever he goes on to in his career is successful.
“I don’t know if he’s going to go to Rangers or not, but obviously he had a spell there as well, so he kind of knows the club a little bit. I think it would be a really good thing for Rangers, to be fair.”
Rangers to back Martin in summer transfer window
Ultimately, for any appointment to succeed at Ibrox, investment is necessary in the hope of refreshing the club.
The 49ers do have PSR regulations to consider, but they certainly have more cash to be pumped into the squad, which will surely have helped to convince Martin that this is the job to take.
With several players, including Nedim Bajrami and Ridvan Yilmaz, linked with moves away from Ibrox, the Light Blues certainly have the opportunity to bring some cash into the side that can be reinvested.
Martin will, of course, have to be ready to retain some of those already at Ibrox, in the hope of pushing the core of the squad further and changing the expectations.
Expectations will have to be managed as change at Rangers will be a long-term project, but the appointment of Martin will surely be an exciting step in that process.