Why did Glasgow Rangers appoint Russell Martin?

The first major decision of the 49ers Enterprises era at Ibrox has been made—and it’s raised plenty of eyebrows.

In the hunt for a new boss that saw Glasgow Rangers linked with high-profile names like fan favourite Steven Gerrard, Davide Ancelotti, and even Jose Mourinho, the appointment of Russell Martin as the new manager has been met with more confusion than celebration.

To many fans, the 39-year-old’s CV doesn’t scream “statement signing.” Martin, who made a modest 15 Scottish Premiership appearances for Rangers during a loan spell in 2018, was most recently in charge of Southampton.

He led them to Premier League promotion via a dramatic play-off final win over Leeds United—ironically, a club also owned by 49ers Enterprises—but was dismissed after winning just one of his first 16 matches back in the top flight.

That kind of recent form doesn’t exactly excite a support base hungry for trophies, European runs, and dominance over Celtic. And given the excitement that names like Mourinho or even the return of Gerrard could have generated, this hire feels, at least on the surface, underwhelming.

So why Martin?

While it may not be the type of appointment that sparks freebet offers or makes headlines across Europe, the logic behind the decision is clearer when you scratch beneath the surface.

Martin is a coach who believes in a strong, possession-based brand of football—one that’s not only stylish but well-suited to the domestic challenges Rangers face on a weekly basis.
Outside of the always-tense Old Firm derbies, the Gers typically face teams who sit deep and play on the counter.

Under Philippe Clement and interim boss Barry Ferguson last season, Rangers often struggled to break down low blocks, with too many points dropped in games they were expected to win comfortably.

This is where Martin’s philosophy comes into play. His tactical approach could turn those frustrating afternoons into three points, giving Rangers more control and fluidity in possession.

His MK Dons, Swansea and Saints teams often dominated the ball, and while results didn’t always follow in the Premier League, his methods are more likely to bear fruit in the Scottish Premiership, where Rangers are afforded time and space they rarely get in England’s top tier.

It’s also worth noting the influence of 49ers Enterprises. Their sports portfolio, particularly with Leeds United, suggests a preference for modern, data-informed coaches rather than legacy names.

Martin, with a clear philosophy and experience in rebuilding squads, fits the bill. His familiarity with the club and Glasgow as a city—however brief—adds a degree of insider understanding too.

For fans, the temptation to chase nostalgia with Gerrard is understandable. He delivered the long-awaited 55th title and did so unbeaten. But his departure for Aston Villa left a sour taste, and a reunion now might have felt like chasing past glories instead of building future ones.

As for Ancelotti’s son Davide, the prestige of his surname is undeniable, but he’s yet to stand on his own as a No.1. Rangers simply cannot afford to take that risk.

European football is another challenge Martin will have to quickly get to grips with. The step up in tactical sophistication and quality of opposition could expose inexperience—but it’s also a test that many successful Rangers managers have had to pass.

In short, the appointment of Russell Martin may not thrill fans or attract punters hunting for a flashy free bets promotion, but it aligns with a strategic shift towards modern football thinking.

He’s young, tactically progressive, and comes with a clear footballing identity—something that’s often been missing from Ibrox in recent years.

It’s a gamble, no doubt. But in a league where structure, style, and consistency often trump star power, it might just pay off.

Published by Patrick Jane
17.07.2025