Rangers’ search for a new permanent manager has seen several twists and turns in recent weeks.
It’s shaping up to be a pivotal appointment for the Govan club, especially with city rivals Celtic once again asserting their dominance over the Scottish Premiership.
Davide Ancelotti, formerly assistant at Real Madrid, had been a long-standing contender, but it now appears that Russell Martin is poised to take charge at Ibrox.
Andrew Cavenagh has approved the deal for the 39-year-old, who is set to sign a long-term contract with the club.
Ross McCormack responds to critical fan
Martin is known for his distinct brand of free-flowing, possession-heavy football—an approach that’s likely to divide opinion among the Ibrox faithful.
While his Southampton side impressed with their style during their Championship promotion campaign, they struggled badly in the Premier League, with Martin receiving criticism for his reluctance to adapt tactically.
His potential appointment was discussed on Radio Clyde’s Superscoreboard (4 June), where one caller went as far as to say he would give up his season ticket if Martin were hired.
Former Scotland striker Ross McCormack pushed back, asking, “Would you have been happy if Steven Gerrard came back?”
When the fan said he would have been delighted, McCormack pointed out that Gerrard’s record in the Premier League was comparable to Martin’s, adding, “He [Gerrard] got sacked by a Premier League club too.”
Martin deserves a fair chance from Rangers fans
While Martin’s struggles in the top flight are well known, it’s also worth noting that his Championship campaign with Southampton was lauded for its attractive football.
Rangers’ hierarchy appears intent on implementing a progressive, possession-oriented style of play—and in that regard, Martin is one of the more qualified modern coaches available.
Manager Games Wins Draws Losses Win %
Russell Martin 252 101 56 95 40.08%
Steven Gerrard 287 156 65 66 54.36%
Martin arrives tasked with halting Celtic’s streak of four consecutive league titles. Gerrard, the last manager to guide Rangers to the title, remains a revered figure for ending Celtic’s bid for 10 in a row—but his own stint in the Premier League, like Martin’s, ended in disappointment.
Gerrard was sacked after less than a year at Aston Villa with the club teetering above the relegation zone. His experience illustrates that success in Scotland doesn’t always translate to the English top tier—just as failure in England shouldn’t disqualify Martin from succeeding at Ibrox.
Ross McCormack bites back as Rangers fan says he’ll tear up season ticket over Russell Martin
