Rangers unveil head coach as takeover era gets underway

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·5. Juni 2025

Rangers unveil head coach as takeover era gets underway

Martin Appointed Head Coach as Rangers Begin New Chapter Under US Ownership

Fresh leadership tasked with restoring Ibrox standards

Rangers have confirmed the appointment of Russell Martin as their new head coach on a three-year contract, marking the first significant move under the club’s new US-based consortium. The 39-year-old, who once wore the blue shirt on loan, returns to Ibrox determined to “bring success back” and restore the values he believes define the institution.

Photo IMAGO

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Martin, previously in charge at Southampton and Swansea City, was selected after a comprehensive recruitment process, with other candidates including Davide Ancelotti, Brian Priske and Steven Gerrard. But it was Martin who impressed the club hierarchy, including new technical director Dan Purdy and sporting director Kevin Thelwell.

Martin’s message echoes Ibrox ethos

In his first words since taking the reins, Martin said:

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

It is clear that Martin recognises the demands that come with managing Rangers, a club that measures itself in silverware, not sentiment.

“I’m here to set standards, work hard and do my very best to earn the respect of the Rangers fans,” he added.

He spoke of a clear ambition: to win games, win trophies and deliver a brand of football that befits the weight of the badge.

“We want to play with bravery, to take the ball, to be aggressive, and to stand up in the big moments.”

New structure reshapes power dynamics

Notably, Martin assumes the role of head coach rather than manager, signalling a shift in the club’s sporting model. With Thelwell and Purdy handling recruitment and long-term strategy, the former Scotland international will focus on preparing and delivering results on the pitch.

He is not coming alone. Assistant coach Matt Gill and performance coach Rhys Owen join him immediately, although further additions to his backroom staff remain unannounced.

The decision aligns with the broader ambitions of the new ownership group, which includes the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers. They completed their takeover last week, and Martin’s arrival is one of the first tangible statements of intent.

Why Martin was chosen to lead Rangers

Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart, who worked alongside Thelwell on the head coach search, described Martin as the “standout candidate”.

“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,” said Stewart.

“He is no stranger to our club, we expect success and Russell knows that. We are excited for his leadership.”

Thelwell, who previously worked with Martin during his time at Everton, added:

“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.”

Martin’s managerial record offers reasons for optimism and caution

Martin’s managerial journey began in 2019 with MK Dons. While results were inconsistent, his possession-based style caught the eye. At Swansea, he continued his ideological commitment to controlling games, though his win rate hovered just above 36%.

Photo: IMAGO

A move to Southampton in 2023 yielded more tangible success. A 25-match unbeaten run propelled them to the Premier League via the play-offs, with victory over Leeds United capping a dramatic surge. But the gloss faded quickly. One league win in 16 matches saw him dismissed in December, with Saints rock bottom. His overall record at Southampton? 33 wins, 26 defeats and a win percentage of 45.2%.

Now, at Ibrox, where demands eclipse those at any of his previous clubs, Martin steps into the pressure cooker with a clear brief. He must bring steel as well as style.