Rangers schedule press conference at Ibrox as major news breaks
Rangers have been careful and considered in their search for a new manager over the last few months.
The Govan outfit parted company with their previous boss Philippe Clement back in February, but then appointed Barry Ferguson on an interim basis until the end of the season, while they began their search for their next permanent manager.
Davide Ancelotti has been heavily linked with the job for several weeks now, with the former Real Madrid assistant reportedly having a “99% chance” of getting appointed at one stage. Sean Dyche had also briefly been touted for the position, as had Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl.
However, Russell Martin has since emerged as the leading candidate to take the reins at Ibrox.
Rangers schedule a press conference to unveil Russell Martin
Martin emerged as the front-runner for the role earlier this week and cut short a family holiday in order to make his way to Glasgow, according to the Rangers Review (5 June).
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has signed off on the deal to make Martin the new manager, and the 39-year-old penned a three-year deal with the club after arriving at Ibrox on Thursday morning (5 June).
A press conference has now been scheduled by the Bears, with Martin set to be official unveiled as their new boss.
The former Southampton and Swansea City chief will be joined by Matt Gill and Rhys Owen as his assistants. He returns to the club for the first time since a 2018 loan spell back in the latter stages of his playing career.
Martin will be a controversial appointment for Rangers
There is no doubt about the fact that Martin’s appointment will split opinion among the Rangers fanbase.
He received plenty of criticism for his lack of a plan B during his stint in the Premier League with Southampton. His Saints side were excellent in their Championship promotion season, but their possession-heavy, attacking style of football didn’t translate well into the top flight.
However, Martin’s Premier League record shouldn’t be used as grounds to judge his ability, considering that the last man to deliver the title to Ibrox, Steven Gerrard, has also been sacked by an English top flight club since moving back south of the border.
The new Rangers baord seemingly want the team to play an attractive style of football following the recent takeover, and there are few bosses around at the minute who can deliver that better than Martin.