Rangers

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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What can the Rangers players - and fans - expect life to be like under new head coach Russell Martin?

Attacking midfielder Scott Fraser is well versed to comment, having starred for Martin at MK Dons in English League One.

Fraser, who is out of contract at Dundee this summer, told BBC Scotland: "The way Russell wants his team to play suits modern football, it certainly suits the bigger clubs.

"When we were at MK Dons, we dominated possession but we also worked extremely hard off the ball. So it wasn't a case of just our centre-backs passing the ball between themselves, it was possession with a purpose of trying to get it forward, and when you do get it forward it is about trying to sustain those attacks."

Fraser, 30, believes the Rangers players will "love" Martin's style of football, adding: "I think the fans will learn to love it as well.

"They will go to every game now knowing what to expect from their team.

"It is not just keeping the ball to try and look nice on the eye. He is very demanding on finishing the attack and if you can't finish the attack then you certainly sustain it by locking in.

"He doesn't let his centre-halves or deep midfielders sit back and watch the game, he expects them to be up on it, to be relentless with winning the ball back if they do lose it."

Fraser spent the 2020-21 season under Martin at MK Dons, winning the club's players' player of the year award.

"He is such a good guy first and foremost," he added. "But he has that really good balance of he is almost like a mate at times, but he has that good aura about him where you know he is the boss as well.

"He is so caring for his players, he would genuinely do anything for his players.

"When it is behind closed doors he is very hard on players as well but for the right reasons. He cares so much, he wants you to improve and I think that is what the Rangers players will really enjoy."

Does Fraser have a message for Rangers fans who remain unconvinced by the appointment?

"I would just say to give him a chance. A lot gets pointed at Russell about 'he doesn't have a plan B' but he is very clever in the way he can tweak things.

"So it might not look like he has changed a lot but for certain games he will definitely adapt to what needs to be done.

"I would tell the Rangers fans to just enjoy it, enjoy the journey. He is very process driven and it might take him a little bit of time to get things moving, but once he does I think they will really enjoy it."

With a new hierarchy and head coach now in place at Rangers, attention will turn to first-team recruitment.

But how will that work under a fresh structure at Ibrox?

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who has recently joined from Everton, revealed the club will take a "collaborative approach" with head coach Russell Martin and the recruitment team.

Former Wolves director of football Thelwell says he has never signed a player without the backing of the first-team boss, and that will continue in his new role at Rangers.

On how the new structure will operate, the 51-year-old added: "The head coach is responsible for the most important bit, preparation of the team, performance of the team and fundamentally the results.

"My role [as sporting director] is to make sure all the support services around Russell are as strong as possible to give us the best chance of winning.

"For recruitment, it will be a collaborative approach. I've never been in this role and signed a player for the first team who hasn't been supported by the head coach or manager.

"We'll talk a lot about how we want to play, what profile we think we need and what positions we need. Between Russell, myself and the recruitment team, we'll identify players we think can make us better very quickly."

Russell Martin acknowledges he was not the first pick of some Rangers fans to be the club's new head coach, but he is determined to prove his doubters wrong.

Many supporters have expressed displeasure at the decision to appoint the former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton boss on a three-year deal.

But the ex-Rangers defender says his history of winning over critics makes him convinced he can do so again at Ibrox.

Asked whether he is confident he can prove his doubters wrong, Martin replied: "I have to be. I have a lot to prove. My whole career has been based on proving people wrong.

"Some names in football management are a bit more exciting than others, but I feel after five-and-a-half years of being a manger, coach and leader, I love doing it. I'm going to be all in with my energy."

"Ultimately I just want to win. If I'm winning, I'm sure [the fans] will be happy."

The 39-year-old, who led Southampton to Premier League promotion last year but was sacked by December after just one win in 16 games, wants to give the Rangers fans "a team they identify with".

Martin concedes he has not been the initial "number one choice" with the supporters at any club he has managed, but he is hoping to forge a "real connection" with the demanding fanbase in Govan.

In order to that, however, the ex-Scotland centre-back knows he needs to show them instant success.

"To the fans, I have to win," Martin added. "I don't think I've been number one choice [with the fans] at any club I've been at.

"But, by the time we've left anywhere, we've felt a real connection with the fans. I hope this will be the same."

Image source, SNS

Image source, PA Media

Russell Martin has been speaking to the media for the first time after being confirmed as new Rangers head coach.

Here are the key lines:

• On landing the job: "Its an incredible feeling. Grateful to everyone for their faith in me. It's taken some time, but that's what you expect when you want to be manager of this football club.

• On why he wanted the job: "I had a few opportunities since I left Southampton, bit of a break with no real interest to get straight back in. I wanted to take time to reflect. That time was really important. This was the one I really wanted. One because of expectation, the size of it and what it mean to so many people. Also the opportunity to experience something completely different to anything else in football, that's what I felt when I played here for a short period. One thing that hurt me a lot as a player was it didn't go well here. I'm desperate to show a different version of myself. The whole thing is really exciting."

• On what fans can expect from his team: "We've managed three clubs [MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton] and they have all looked really different. It's all the same concept, try and be aggressive with and without the ball. We're here to win and we'll do that in the best possible way we can. Hard working first and foremost. Making the club sustainable with academy players coming through and creating assets."

• On his short and long-term aims: "Win trophies. Build a culture at the training ground and here that we are proud of and people can feel in the building. An environment of hard work, honesty and openness. We're going to do it in our way. We're all on the same journey, ultimately that means to win trophies."

• On his message to the fans: "Supporters are the most important part at any club. My job is to give them a team they identify with. You need to work hard, you want people who have that to be at the club. To the fans, I have to win. I don't think I've been number one choice [with the fans] at any club I've been at. By the time we've left anywhere we've felt a real connection with the fans. I hope this will be the same. I hope people judge me at this moment [as manager] and not my time as a player here. My period here before gave me incredible learning."

• On proving doubters wrong: "I have to be [confident I can do it]. I have a lot to prove. My whole career has been based on proving people wrong."

• On whether he will be backed financially: "We've always been able to create a team we enjoy watching. The squad in place now can do better and be better. We're going to add. We're clear on what we need. But also giving people a chance to show a better version of themselves. Players always surprise you."

• On whether he thinks he can immediately challenge for title: "We're confident we can have a team that's better and win more points and really compete to win trophies."

• On his playing style: "Based on courage and intensity. Courage to take the ball and express yourself in final third. Concept of the game will always be the same, try and dominate the ball and territory, to to that you need to be aggressive without the ball."

• On what assistant coach Matt Gill will bring: "He brings technical expertise, brilliant coach, played a huge role in developing players at Norwich Under-21s. We're very different personalities."

• On whether he will get time and patience: "We need to win early and find a way to win while developing. We had to do that at Southampton, winning in a period of change. I can't sit here and say we need two years to build, I want us to keep improving and developing. The end product might not click immediately, but we need to find a way of winning while developing that."

Here are some more of your comments on Rangers appointing Russell Martin as their new head coach.

Peter: I hope Russell is capable of changing tactics during a game and not just a one-trick pony. He'll need to be a strong personality on the touchline and ensure everyone is following instructions to the letter. Good luck to him and his staff.

Neil: At just 39, he's still a young manager with plenty of room to grow and develop. I believe he has the potential to be a very good appointment.

J: With this appointment the new owners have proven they know nothing about Scottish football. Thelwell and Purdy? Laurel and Hardy more like. This manager has the credentials of a Hibs or Motherwell manager and is so far from the level of a club like Rangers, even if he is up to it, the sheer disbelief, disappointment and anger of the fans at the cheapest option being taken once again means he's on the back foot before he's even stepped through the door.

Elaine: A tad underwhelming and I'm slightly concerned as to who he can attract. But I'm happy to support him and I'd love to be proven wrong. Good luck Russell.

Sally: Ancelotti would have been the better choice. Martin's style of play not suited to Scottish football. Ancelotti would have attracted players who otherwise would not have considered Scottish football.

Stevie: Worst appointment possible. Unproven with little real track record, last time out he was relegation material at Southampton. I fear for the club I love that we will stay also rans. Another Beale I think.

David: 49rs' first mistake is Martin, he had only one way of playing and can't change or adapt to other styles. I predict he will be sacked within six months.

Kheredine Idessane at Ibrox
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

First impressions of Russell Martin?

Very positive. He speaks well, has a clear vision of what he wants to do and how he wants his team to play, and is a big advocate of the one thing that could get him what he wants: hard work.

He's clearly delighted to be the new Rangers head coach and says he wants to make up for his time here as a player when, to paraphrase his own words, he was a bit rubbish and wishes he could have offered more.

He's driven, motivated and has a clear footballing philosophy.

I asked him at the end of his first media conference if he expected to be given time. He isn't. He said he needs to win early. By that I thought he meant trophies. He clarified that as winning games.

Clearly, however, he knows he has to deliver for an expectant club and support. One thing is also clear: he is not afraid of the challenges ahead.

New head coach Russell Martin, speaking at his Rangers unveiling, discusses the style of football he will look to implement.

Image source, PA Media

Kris Boyd understands Rangers fan concerns about new head coach Russell Martin, but believes the Ibrox club have made a "fantastic" decision in appointing the former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton boss.

Former striker Boyd feels Martin's past experience at Ibrox as a player, and his proven ability to improve teams, makes him the "right appointment".

"A lot of fans are unhappy and have got concerns," Boyd said on Sky Sports. "I completely understand that.

"But when you speak to people within football, Martin is highly thought of. This move is one he wanted. He decided Rangers were for him.

"It's a fantastic appointment. He's already been here as a player, he understands the pressure and the demands that are put on you as a player, but as a manager that's totally different - you have to deal with everything."

Boyd describes Martin, who had a brief loan spell at Rangers in 2018, as a "football encyclopaedia" and "someone who's been driven by wanting to be a coach for a long, long time".

The former Scotland defender's managerial career was on a perfect trajectory after a rapid rise from England's third tier to the top flight.

But Martin was sacked by Southampton in December amid a run of just one win from their opening 16 Premier League games.

The new Rangers boss faced criticism for refusing to adjust his possession-based style of play, but Boyd feels he will improve as a coach as a result of that difficult time.

"Will he be a better manager for that? Absolutely," Boyd added. "If he was given more time, I'm not saying he would have turned it around, but people would look at him differently.

"You've got to praise managers who have a style of play about them. Coming up through the [Championship] play-offs with Southampton, he had to change a lot.

"He changed the style and culture so quickly, you still have to say it was a job well done."

We asked for your views on Russell Martin's appointment as Rangers head coach.

Here are some of your comments:

Harris: I'm happy that we finally got a manager but I was hoping for better.

William: Why appoint the man that threw Southampton into shambles?

Jeff: Well hopefully he is not one dimensional. 3-5-2 seems to be a good formation when playing Celtic.

Ross: Pretty underwhelming appointment, however, I hope the fans get behind him and give him a chance to prove himself.

Mikey: Time will tell, we need to back him now and hope he delivers. Read comparisons to big Ange Postecoglou this week, if true it could make him the right man.

Graeme: This is a brilliant appointment. A studious coach that has the ability to man manage and also coach technically very well without overly complicating the game. He earns the respect of his players and I feel he will bring our great club the success we have yearned for these past few years.

What is the "myth" about new Rangers head coach Russell Martin's tactics?

Scottish coach and analyst John Walker feels there is a misconception with how people view former Swansea City and Southampton boss Martin's possession-based style, insisting it doesn't just mean the ball is just "passed about the back".

"Martin's football is possession based, but it's attacking football," Walker said on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"If he can get it forward in two passes, it's going forward in two passes.

"People keep coming at me with the same thing, 'he's never played against a low block'. He's played against a low block loads because teams were scared of how his teams were playing.

"If teams want to drop into a low block and fear Rangers, that suits Martin. That's what Martin wants. That's where Rangers will see a lot of goals being scored.

"The flipside of that is there'll be a high defensive line, there'll be high risk, there'll be one-v-one defending at the back. And that's where you see Martin's horrendous goals against stats."

Do the Premier League struggles of Brendan Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou prove managerial performance in England and Scotland's top flights is incomparable?

Large numbers of Rangers fans appear to be underwhelmed at the appointment of former player Martin as their new head coach.

That is somewhat fuelled by the ex-Scotland defender's gruelling experience as a manager in England's top tier.

Southampton won just once in 16 games before sacking Martin in December, but Walker feels the Premier League is "just not a comparable metric for how successful you can be in Scotland".

Despite winning the Europa League, Postecoglou, a hugely successful Celtic manager, oversaw Tottenham's worst ever Premier League season last term, with the team finishing 17th.

In the 2022-23 campaign, Celtic boss Rodgers had Leicester heading towards relegation when he departed in the April. The Foxes ultimately went down.

Rodgers' next move would be a return to Parkhead, where he has resumed cleaning up domestic prizes.

"Martin's Southampton experience rubs people the wrong way," said Walker.

"Rodgers had good seasons in England, but he also had bad seasons. With Postecoglou, league wise, this is a terrible time at Tottenham.

"But he dominated and revolutionised Scottish football for two years, so there just is no comparison."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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When discussing his next job, Russell Martin did not shy away from detailing the specific conditions that must be right in order for him to consider taking a role.

The Rangers job ticks his boxes after suffering a chastening Premier League stint with Southampton, during which he lost 13 out of 16 games.

Refreshed after a long-overdue break, the new Ibrox head coach says he will be "much better" for that unforgiving experience in England's top flight.

Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day 2 last month, Martin stressed the importance of his beliefs aligning with his future employers: "We've turned a few opportunities down because it just didn't feel quite right.

"It's about the opportunity it gives us, how we feel about it, the people you're working for. All of it comes into account.

"Also the cultural context, how the style of play will fit, how the work we do will fit with the club's work, how convinced the ownership are with how we do things."

Since then, a takeover of Rangers, led by healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, has been completed.

Now there is a sense, for the first time in a long time, Rangers are getting their ducks in a row from boardroom to dugout, with the 49ers group boasting a reputation of being shrewd operators south of the border with Leeds United.

Despite Martin's impressive work at MK Dons and Swansea, plus guiding Southampton to the Premier League, some Rangers fans will still have doubts about the potential appointment after his gruelling time in England's top tier.

But given the specific criteria the 39-year-old needs ticked off to commit to a job, that would suggest he feels the framework is there to be a success at Ibrox.

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

After four months of searching, and numerous candidates in the mix from Steven Gerrard to Davide Ancelotti, we finally have our head coach to kickstart the new era for the club.

That responsibility has been given to Russell Martin, that's right - don't squint your eyes or think this is a typo - it's actually him. Frankly, as always, I hope it works and he is successful but it appears he's the one that almost no one wanted.

Given the online reaction, you have to give him some kudos for taking the job and backing himself to win over the trust of the support.

One thing that irked me with regard to Philippe Clement's style of football was the lack of control - it was all very transitional.

Martin will be the polar opposite. What I hope for is that he can come in and keep the positive parts of his play - the high press and high tempo - and tighten up the backline.

Furthermore, I always feel the sign of a good manager is someone who can improve players already at a club when you arrive. If he can get a right few of them to take their games to the next level such as Mo Diomande, Nico Raskin and Hamza Igamane, I'd be delighted with that as a starting point.

Hearing from Martin at his first media conference today will be interesting, particularly his thoughts on the fan noise and more importantly, how he wants to move this team forward and try and win games of football.

However, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and new technical director Dan Purdy must give him the tools to succeed by adding to the players mentioned above, if they remain at the club beyond the summer.

It's a tough job ahead, and the recruitment has to be spot on all across the squad to get players that fit Martin's style.

We currently have a mishmash of players who lack direction. Hopefully with a new manager and new players coming in things will become more cohesive on the pitch.

I'm intrigued where this will go, what calibre of player we can attract and how Martin's philosophy will work both domestically and in Europe.

Let's be honest, going into next season, fan opinion, possession stats and philosophies won't really matter. It's silverware that counts and if you wanted Martin or were a bit dubious, like myself, you just hope he comes in and delivers.

Russell Martin's professional career has spanned more than two decades, including 15 years as a player and six as a manager.

Here's a breakdown of the new Rangers boss' life in football:

• After leaving Brighton's youth academy and a brief spell at non-league Lewes, Martin spent four years at Wycombe, playing 140 games.

• The defender moved to Peterborough in 2008 and skippered the team as the club's youngest ever captain, with the side gaining promotion to the English Championship in his first season.

• A loan move to Norwich in 2009 became permanent and Martin went on to spend nine years at the club, gaining top-flight promotion twice and playing more than 300 games - 125 of which came in the Premier League.

• Martin gained his first Scotland cap as a Norwich player and finished his career with 29 international appearances.

• In the final two years of Martin's playing days, he had a brief loan at Rangers, playing just 17 games, before moves to Walsall and MK Dons.

• Martin became MK Dons manager following his retirement as a player. He gained a reputation for implementing an attractive, possession-based style in the third tier and moved to Championship side Swansea in 2021.

• Martin's football at Swansea continued to attract plaudits. After 15th and 10th-placed finishes, he was poached by Southampton.

• In his first season at Southampton, a club record 25-game unbeaten run helped the Saints reach the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, beating Leeds in the final.

• But Martin's spell as Saints boss came to an end last December after the club started their Premier League campaign with 13 losses in 16 games.

• Six months on, Martin has returned to Rangers as their new boss under a new regime at Ibrox.

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Russell Martin was the "outstanding candidate" for the job of head coach and can imprint "dominant football" at Rangers, says sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

Martin takes the helm at Ibrox six months after he was sacked by Southampton following 13 defeats in 16 Premier League games.

Thelwell, who led the search along with chief executive Patrick Stewart, said: "Russell comes to Rangers with hard-earned experience. His time in the Premier League has sharpened his approach, both tactically and personally. He's better for it, and we believe that will translate into the kind of leadership and performance our supporters expect.

"Through the many conversations Patrick and I have had with Russell in recent weeks, he has emerged as the outstanding candidate.

"His teams play dominant football, they control the ball, dictate the tempo and impose themselves physically. They press aggressively and work relentlessly off the ball. These are all characteristics that we believe are required to be successful at home, away, and abroad."

New Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh said Russell impressed throughout a "thorough, rigorous process", adding: "His appointment embodies the club's goal of attracting top talent, empowering them, and supporting them.

"We believe that Russell can improve on-pitch performance while also helping build the culture and infrastructure necessary for consistent and long-term success."

Chief executive Stewart said: "Our criteria were clear: we wanted a coach who will excel in terms of how we want to play, improve our culture, develop our squad, and ultimately win matches. Russell was the standout candidate.

"This appointment is about building a winning team and a strong culture. He is no stranger to our club, we expect success and Russell knows that. We are excited for his leadership."

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Russell Martin has expressed his determination to "bring success back" to Rangers after being appointed head coach on a three-year deal.

"It is a privilege to be named head coach of Rangers Football Club at the beginning of this exciting new chapter," said the 39-year-old former Ibrox defender, who has managed MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton.

Russell added: "I know what this club demands. From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history. Now, as I return, I'm determined to bring success back, for the supporters, the players, and everyone inside this club.

"I'm here to set standards, work hard and do my very best to earn the respect of the Rangers fans.

"There's a lot to be done, but the goal is clear: win matches, win trophies, and give Rangers fans a team that they can be proud of. We want to play with bravery, to take the ball, to be aggressive, and to stand up in the big moments.

"Preparations for pre-season are already underway. I look forward to meeting the players and building a squad that our fans can believe in."

Rangers have ended months of speculation by appointing former Southampton boss Russell Martin as their new head coach.

Martin has signed a three-year deal after fending off competition from other candidates including Davide Ancelotti.

Have Rangers' new American owners got this appointment right? Do you back Martin to thrive at Ibrox - and what should his priorities be this summer?

Have your say.

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Russell Martin will use the hurt he suffered at Southampton in a positive way should he become new Rangers head coach, according to his former boss Chris Hughton.

Former MK Dons and Swansea manager Martin is believed to be the frontrunner for the vacant post at Ibrox.

However, many Rangers fans are underwhelmed by the potential appointment of Martin, who had a short loan spell as a player in Govan in 2018.

Martin, who was captain under Hughton at Norwich, brought Southampton up to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2024 but was sacked by December as they headed back towards the Championship with one win from his first 16 games.

But Hughton offered a glowing character reference, saying on Talksport: "If I'm looking at Russell's managerial background, he is known for playing a certain way, very expansive, very much a passing game and progression through the thirds.

"But he's a strong personality also. He's had a few knockbacks in his football career so far.

"I think any knockbacks, he will look at very much as experience and look to improve in every aspect he can.

"I think he's had a few offers, so this is somebody that's still very respected in the game. He's a very confident individual and very confident in what he wants to do on the football pitch.

"He was very much a leader in the changing room, vocal in the meetings we had and he was my voice when it came to any sort of direction on the players.

"So it's no surprise to me that he eventually went into management. He always showed those characteristics."

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We asked for your thoughts on the possibility of Russell Martin becoming the new Rangers manager.

Here's what some of you said:

Henry: Martin, sadly, will be the wrong choice, with no European management experience, limited top-level experience and I hope he won't be the lamb to the slaughter. The new club directors are starting just like the last lot left.

Diana: I hope Russell gets this job. He was well liked in Southampton until we achieved promotion. Unfortunately we did not have enough Premier League quality players to play his possession-based style, and recruitment by the owners let him down.

Paul: Not for me. Tippy-tappy possession football will be food and drink to the low block most teams will set up with. You also need players with real quality to play that type of game. Rangers are not Barcelona or Manchester City.

Henry: I believe Martin will be a great asset as the manager of Rangers he is tactically clever and doesn't get flustered. He will do most of his talking in the dressing room and not so much on the touchline. All the best Russell, make Rangers great again

Bob: If we go for Martin I think we should instead have gone with Barry Ferguson and his assistants - can't imagine Martin to be a step up from Barry and we could have saved weeks of uncertainty getting the correct players in. Hate to say it but if Martin comes in we will be back in the manager market by Christmas and again facing a dead season.

Gordon: His keep the ball style is not football. The object is to win by scoring more goals. The reason he has failed is that the other teams score more goals and his teams have just kept the ball. Keep him out of Ibrox.

Gareth: He wouldn't be my first choice, I thought it was going to be Steven Gerrard but he has ruled himself out, and I would have liked Davide Ancelotti but he looks like he is going to to Basel. I will back the manager whoever it is, one thing is Rangers must get this appointment right.