Russell Martin ‘in Rangers conversations’ as Ibrox prospect unacceptable
Russell Martin has a significant challenge ahead after being appointed Rangers manager by Andrew Cavengah and 49ers Enterprises.
The US consortium will aim to bring success back to the Gers after some turbulent seasons in G51, which have seen Celtic win four consecutive Scottish Premiership titles.
Several names were linked with the Light Blues after Barry Ferguson’s departure, and Martin was eventually appointed at Ibrox, but fans have scrutinised his record at Southampton in the Premier League.
The ex-Scotland international has no time to waste at the Glaswegian outfit, but he arguably knows what’s at stake after spending time at the Bears as a player.
Graham Dorrans has had Rangers conversations with Martin as success imperative
Martin knows he must be successful and win trophies during his time at the Gers, Graham Dorrans says.
The former Light Blues midfielder played alongside the ex-Southampton boss at Ibrox, and believes that experience will be pivotal in understanding the expectations at G51.
Dorrans has had conversations with the 39-year-old head coach about the expectations at the Glaswegian outfit, with even a draw being unacceptable.
| Competition (2024/25) | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| Premier League | 16 | 1 | 2 | 13 |
Speaking to Record (8 June), the Scotsman said: “Even when you go away to the likes of Hearts or Aberdeen, you’re expected to go there and win. He will know that. Russell isn’t naive. He knows now that it’s not acceptable at Rangers to even draw a game. We’ve had those conversations together after our time at the club.
“He might not have realised it before he came as a player, but he’ll certainly know about it now, having been at Rangers. He experienced it for six months. And he’s not daft, he’s an intelligent guy. Russell will know he has to come up here, be successful and win trophies.”
Ibrox faithful won’t be patient with Martin as trophies expected
With Cavenagh and the 49ers completing their takeover of the Gers and pledging a significant transfer sum for the ongoing window, the fanbase expects instant success.
While Martin seemingly wasn’t the first choice of the Light Blues’ hierarchy or the Ibrox faithful, he must now be backed.
Kevin Thelwell must now focus on recruiting players to build a competitive squad for the 39-year-old head coach as he hopes to knock Celtic and Brendan Rodgers off their perch.
Rangers have lost key players like Vaclav Cerny, Leon Balogun and Ianis Hagi ahead of next season, and quality additions must be made to replenish the squad.
Steven Gerrard was the last manager to win the Scottish Premiership title at the Light Blues, and Martin has immense pressure of trying to repeat the same.
While the Scottish manager’s record with Southampton in the Premier League isn’t encouraging, his attacking brand of football worked well in the English Championship.
The 39-year-old head coach will have undoubtedly learned from his mistakes at the Saints, and he’ll hopefully be able to rebuild his reputation at the Glaswegian outfit.
With the fanbase already split on Martin’s appointment, it will be a big test for him and the new ownership, and how the saga unfolds remains to be seen.