Russell Martin Takes Charge at Rangers on Three-Year Deal

Russell Martin is the new head coach of Rangers FC. He has signed a contract with the team until June 2028. The 39-year-old former Scotland player returns to Ibrox. He played there on loan for six months in 2018.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Rangers FC has chosen Russell Martin as their new head coach. He signed a three-year deal, which keeps him at the club until June 2028. Martin was fired by Southampton in December. He was chosen over other big names like former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and ex-Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.

His hiring followed a long search after Philippe Clement left in February. Interim manager Barry Ferguson took charge for the last three months of the season. Martin’s deal was finalized on Wednesday night. This happened after positive talks with the club’s new American ownership group.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Martin’s hiring is a major move for Rangers. They are under new American ownership, led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. The hiring process was led by new sporting director Kevin Thelwell and Greitar Steinsson, technical director for 49ers Enterprises.

At Southampton, Martin struggled with just one win in 16 Premier League games before he was fired. However, he was successful at Swansea City and MK Dons. There, he was known for a good possession-based style of play. Rangers hope he can help them compete with Celtic in the Scottish Premiership next season.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Steven Naismith played with Martin at Norwich and for Scotland. He thinks Martin’s hiring is just what Rangers need. “Developing players, the recruitment side of it and attacking football that have been labelled at the team for too long – I think they’re all strengths that Russell brings,” Naismith told Sky Sports News.

“His knowledge and his intelligence of the game is really good. I think even way back when we were in our mid-twenties, he had a hunger to learn about the game. As a coach, he’s the opposite of what he was as a player. He was a defender, but his teams play attacking, possession-based football,” added Naismith.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR RANGERS?

Martin has a tough task ahead. He needs to rebuild the Rangers squad that failed in their title chase last season. The summer transfer window is coming up. Martin must work closely with the new owners and the sporting department. They need to strengthen the team to compete better with Celtic.

Martin also has to introduce his unique style of play and philosophy. Pre-season training usually starts in late June. Rangers fans want Martin’s approach to lead to success on the field. The 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season starts in August.