Ex-Rangers star hails Russell Martin as ‘one of the best' before receiving surprise mention from new Gers boss
The midfielder earned a surprise namecheck at the new Rangers manager's first address to the media
CANT BELIEVE IT
CANT BELIEVE IT Ex-Rangers star hails Russell Martin as 'one of the best' before receiving surprise mention from new Gers boss
THE Russell Martin era is now officially underway at Rangers.
And a former Ibrox hero reckons that means reasons to be excited.
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Russell Martin has been unveiled as the new Rangers manager
Credit: Willie Vass
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Alamy Live News. 2TDAHJ1 Glasgow, UK. 17th Dec, 2023. Todd Cantwell of Rangers celebrates after winning The Scottish League Cup match at Hampden Park, Glasgow. Picture credit should read: Neil Hanna/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If […]
Credit: Alamy
SunSport exclusively revealed all the way back in February that Martin was a leading contender for the job.
More than three months on, he's now been confirmed as Rangers' new head coach on a three-year deal.
It's a return to the Light Blues for Martin, 39, who had a brief spell as a player at Ibrox in 2018.
The former Scotland defender's appointment hasn't been met with universal acclaim by Gers fans, but Martin has vowed to win over those who are sceptical.
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He revealed the Rangers job was the "one I really wanted" and insists he will show a "different version" of himself compared to his stint as a Gers player, a spell he admits didn't go particularly well.
Todd Cantwell is someone who knows Martin well.
The midfielder had an 18-month spell at Rangers himself before moving on last summer.
He began his career at Norwich City and Martin was the club's captain when Cantwell made his first team breakthrough.
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The 27-year old, now playing for Blackburn, took to Instagram to have his say on Martin's appointment at Ibrox.
Sharing the Gers' video announcing him as their new boss, Cantwell simply said: "One of the best I've worked with, really exciting times 🤝"
Russell Martin says he can win trophies NOW as he's unveiled as new Rangers manager
He also posted a blue heart emoji.
A short time after Rangers' official announcement, Martin appeared for his first media conference at Ibrox.
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Cantwell would, in fact, also end up getting a mention from the new Rangers manager.
Martin was quizzed on his backroom team, with Matt Gill - just as he did at MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton - joining him as his assistant.
The Gers boss sung Gill's praises and credited him with helping bring through some top players - including a certain Cantwell.
Martin said: "Matt Gill's coming. He's been my assistant manager all the way through and he brings technical expertise as a coach.
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"Brilliant coach who had to play a huge role in developing a lot of players at Norwich since he had the 21s.
"We played together very briefly and then I worked with him when he had the 21s.
"When I was on my way out as a player at Norwich and I realised then what an excellent coach he was and how much care he had for the players and how much they loved him.
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"Guys like Max Aarons, Todd Cantwell and the Murphy twins, some brilliant players under his tutelage."
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Cantwell hailed Martin on Instagram
Credit: INSTAGRAM
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