New Russell Martin update may interest Southampton, Rangers and Swansea City fans | OneFootball

Russell Martin has had managerial positions at Rangers, Southampton, and Swansea City recently but could be in line for a new role.

Russell Martin has been out of work after his sacking by Rangers in October, which was the shortest reign in the club's history. The former Swansea City and Southampton boss has had some success in his short managerial career thus far, though.

Martin began management in November 2019 as MK Dons manager, transitioning straight from playing and implementing a possession-based, progressive style that gained attention despite their modest finishes in League One.

In August 2021, it earnt him a move to Swansea City, which is where he guided the Swans to 15th and then 10th in the Championship while continuing to establish his ball-dominant football while developing younger players as assets as well.

In June 2023, he was appointed Southampton manager. It was a huge move for him with a team in receipt of parachute payments, with returning the club to the Premier League his task. He succeeded via the 2024 play-off final against Leeds United and achieved it while scoring plenty of goals with an attractive style.

Despite his struggles when in the Premier League, his demand to be a dominant team in possession attracted that interest from Rangers. It may not have worked out in Scotland, but his stock remains high.

Russell Martin linked with Columbus Crew role after Rangers stint

Somewhat reminiscent of Vincent Kompany at Burnley, Martin's football has an emphasis on control and patient build-up. At Swansea, this evolved into a fluid, attacking identity that blended possession with pressing. However, his Southampton side were more gung-ho and conceded plenty on their way to promotion.

Conceding continued to be a problem in the Premier League but this possession-centric approach equipped him well for the Rangers job on paper, even if the reality was far different. Now, his stock may have dropped, but Martin is a wanted man overseas.

Interestingly, Ben Jacobs is reporting that Martin is a contender for the Columbus Crew vacancy. That is following the departure of Wilfried Nancy to Rangers' great rivals Celtic and with the MLS outfit needing a replacement.

Russell Martin's view of his style of play

Martin's philosophy should translate well when his team has technical superiority over their opposition. However, that may have been the case with Southampton, but it wasn't north of the border.

When he joined the Saints, Martin explained his thoughts. It perhaps gives some insight to Columbus Crew of what they can expect, even if he failed to get his ideas across with Rangers. Speaking via the Southampton website, he said: "It's to try and control the game.

"Or as much of the game as possible with all the variables in football,” he said of the style of play he wants to implement. “To dominate the ball as much as we can, to be the aggressor with the ball and without it."

Can he do the same job he did with Southampton, MK Dons, and Swansea? Or will he crash and burn like with Rangers? The other question is whether Martin is all that keen on taking a job in America, or waiting for another opportunity closer to home again?