Russell Martin set for ‘incredible’ Rangers scenes at Ibrox after appointment
Rangers have appointed Russell Martin as their new manager after Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers completed their takeover at Ibrox.
It has been a long search in Glasgow, with Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti also coming close to being appointed at times.
However, Martin has been settled on as the ideal replacement for Barry Ferguson, and all eyes are on Ibrox to see how the new owners’ tenure gets underway.
Darren Bent backs Martin for good things at Ibrox
There has been plenty of debate over the potential appointment of Martin at Rangers, with supporters eager for the new appointment to hit the ground running.
The 39-year-old has worked his way up the pyramid in English football, starting out at MK Dons and ending in the Premier League.
Although the style of football being played at St Mary’s was attractive to the eye, Martin’s stubbornness when it came to adapting his style for life in the Premier League proved to be the Saints’ downfall.
The aim at Ibrox is to push the Light Blues back to the top of the table, competing with Celtic for the title once more.
| Team | Position | Goal Difference | Points |
| Celtic | 1 | 86 | 92 |
| Rangers | 2 | 39 | 75 |
With that in mind, Martin will not be eased into the job, the pressure will be on immediately.
Nevertheless, Darren Bent thinks the move is a good one for both parties.
Speaking live on talkSPORT (5 June), Bent said: “Huge club, massive football club. Got the opportunity.
“I mean, we were having a laugh and a joke, weren’t we? Vincent Kompany takes Burnley down, gets Bayern. He takes Southampton effectively down, gets sacked midway through, and gets Rangers.
“I always feel like it’s a great place, not to just rebuild because that’s a bit unfair, but to get that big club experience because they’re a huge football club.
“Steven Gerrard, it did wonders for him, I mean, what he did the whole season going unbeaten was incredible, but I think it does wonders for you. They’re very good in Europe, Rangers, very good. To manage in front of those supporters, it’s incredible.
“But the only thing I would say, it’s a really simple job, but it’s probably the hardest job because you’ve got one job and that’s it, finish above Celtic.”
Martin needs support at Ibrox
It’s been a difficult few seasons for supporters at Ibrox, and the new takeover will be very welcome.
However, there is plenty of work to be done before anyone can get too excited about what’s to come, especially with the Gers wanting to reach the top once more.
While there are solid foundations that can be built upon, Rangers need to offload several players this summer and bring in the right faces to improve the squad.
This will require increased levels of investment expected from the new owners, though, and they have to be prepared to show Martin the backing required to get up to scratch.
Growth will be a steady work in progress at Ibrox, but there have to be clear signs of improvement next season to show the start of a new era.