Russell Martin Return Marks Bold New Era for Rangers

Former Swansea and Southampton Boss Begins Head Coach Role at Ibrox

Rangers have officially ushered in a new era with the appointment of Russell Martin as the club’s new head coach. The 39-year-old has signed a three-year contract, stepping into a redefined role that reflects not only the ambitions of a rejuvenated Ibrox but also the evolving nature of modern football management.

For Martin, it’s a return to familiar ground. He briefly wore Rangers blue as a player during a loan spell in 2018, but now he’s back with a far weightier responsibility—and a belief that he understands the demands and expectations of the role.

“From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is—the expectation, the passion, the history,” Martin said following his appointment. “As I return, I’m determined to bring success back.”

And if his track record in the dugout is anything to go by, Martin won’t be short on conviction. A former manager at both Swansea City and Southampton, he has carved out a reputation as a coach committed to progressive football, underpinned by discipline, high standards and tactical intelligence.

Why Rangers Chose Martin

It is a privilege’: Russell Martin appointed as new Rangers head coach

The club’s decision to install Martin as head coach comes shortly after a major change at boardroom level. A US-based consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh, with backing from the San Francisco 49ers’ investment arm, completed a takeover of Rangers last week. Their first significant move was to appoint Martin, signalling their intention to blend fresh energy with footballing clarity.

Chief executive Patrick Stewart, who led the search alongside new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, said Martin was the standout choice from a list that reportedly included Davide Ancelotti, Brian Priske, Francesco Farioli, and former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.

“Our criteria were clear,” Stewart explained. “We wanted a coach who would excel in the way we want to play, improve the club’s culture, develop the squad, and win football matches. Russell Martin ticked all the boxes.”

Thelwell added further insight into the appointment, noting that Martin’s recent Premier League experience has “sharpened his approach, both tactically and personally,” and praised the high-tempo, possession-based style his teams are known for.

“His teams dominate the ball, dictate tempo and impose themselves physically,” said Thelwell. “They press aggressively and work tirelessly off the ball—traits that align with what it takes to succeed at Rangers.”

The Man Behind the Tactics

While Martin’s coaching credentials are impressive, it’s perhaps his personal journey that truly captures the spirit of this appointment.

Born in Brighton, Martin had anything but a straightforward path to the top. Before becoming a professional at 18, he cleaned toilets before school and worked night shifts in a supermarket. His late start in the game makes his rise even more remarkable.

He’s also been open about his complicated relationship with his father, a Scot whose behaviour oscillated between encouragement and aggression. Martin has often spoken of how those early experiences shaped his mindset.

“My whole world revolved around proving him wrong and making him proud,” he said in a candid interview with The Times in 2023.

That desire to overcome adversity carried through into his playing career. Martin captained Norwich City, earned 29 caps for Scotland, and had to battle through the effects of ulcerative colitis, a chronic condition that influenced his decision to adopt a vegan diet in an effort to reduce inflammation.

These aren’t just side notes—they’re reflections of a man who’s never taken shortcuts, who has always backed his principles and chosen to do things his own way.

Setting the Standard at Ibrox

Martin’s first job will be to galvanise a Rangers squad that came up short in their pursuit of major honours last season. His remit is clear: win matches, win trophies, and restore the identity of a team that can make the Ibrox faithful proud.

“There’s a lot to be done,” Martin admitted. “But the goal is clear: win matches, win trophies, and give Rangers fans a team that they can believe in.”

He’s already begun to shape his inner circle, bringing Matt Gill as assistant and Rhys Owen as performance coach. Both men worked with Martin previously, and their arrival ensures continuity of philosophy and a shared understanding of how to implement it on the training ground.

More additions to the coaching staff are expected, but already it’s clear that the club’s structure is shifting. With Thelwell and technical director Dan Purdy—both formerly of Everton—now in place, the club has moved toward a more continental, collaborative model of decision-making. Martin, as head coach, will focus on preparing the team and developing players, while recruitment and long-term strategy will be managed by the football operations team.

What Kind of Football Can Fans Expect?

Supporters eager for entertainment will likely be pleased by Martin’s footballing philosophy. At Swansea and Southampton, he implemented a brave, possession-first approach designed to control matches through intelligent build-up and aggressive pressing.

His Southampton side ranked among the Premier League’s best in terms of passes per game and possession share, even when results were inconsistent. At Rangers, he’ll have the opportunity to bring that blueprint into a league where the top teams often face deep defensive blocks and are challenged to break them down.

The question is whether that style can deliver consistent results under the intense scrutiny of Scottish football. Martin believes it can—and the club hierarchy seems to agree.

A Fresh Start, But Expectations Remain

As pre-season approaches, Martin’s work begins immediately. A clear-out is expected, with squad development a top priority. Recruitment will be key, especially with Rangers needing reinforcements in key areas if they are to seriously challenge Celtic and make a dent in Europe.

But if Rangers fans are expecting revolution overnight, they may need to show a measure of patience. Martin’s football takes time to implement—but if given that time, the rewards could be significant.

This is a manager who has faced adversity both on and off the pitch, who speaks plainly about his ambitions, and who brings a clear identity to a club in search of renewal.

Whether Russell Martin is the right man to lead Rangers back to the summit remains to be seen. But he’s certainly a man unafraid of the challenge—and he’s arrived with eyes wide open to what’s required.

“I’m here to set standards, work hard and earn the respect of the fans,” he said. “This club deserves to compete at the very top—and that’s what we’ll strive to do.”

Time will tell if Martin’s way is the right way for Rangers. But for now, Ibrox has a new leader—and a fresh sense of purpose.