
'Martin would use Southampton hurt to his advantage'
Russell Martin will use the hurt he suffered at Southampton in a positive way should he become new Rangers head coach, according to his former boss Chris Hughton.Former MK Dons and Swansea manager Martin is believed to be the frontrunner for the vacant post at Ibrox.However, many Rangers fans are underwhelmed by the potential appointment of Martin, who had a short loan spell as a player in Govan in 2018.Martin, who was captain under Hughton at Norwich, brought Southampton up to the Premier League through the play-offs in 2024 but was sacked by December as they headed back towards the Championship with one win from his first 16 games.But Hughton offered a glowing character reference, saying on Talksport: "If I'm looking at Russell's managerial background, he is known for playing a certain way, very expansive, very much a passing game and progression through the thirds."But he's a strong personality also. He's had a few knockbacks in his football career so far."I think any knockbacks, he will look at very much as experience and look to improve in every aspect he can."I think he's had a few offers, so this is somebody that's still very respected in the game. He's a very confident individual and very confident in what he wants to do on the football pitch."He was very much a leader in the changing room, vocal in the meetings we had and he was my voice when it came to any sort of direction on the players."So it's no surprise to me that he eventually went into management. He always showed those characteristics."
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
11 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Cristiano Ronaldo reveals stance on playing in the Club World Cup after 'receiving many invitations' to leave Al-Nassr
Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken out about potentially playing in this summer's Club World Cup. Ronaldo, 40, currently plays for Al-Nassr who have not qualified for the tournament, but he has been linked with a transfer away to join a club that is participating. FIFA president Gianni Infantino only fuelled speculation when he told YouTuber iShowSpeed last month that talks were ongoing about Ronaldo featuring in the newly-expanded competition. Ahead of playing in Sunday's Nations League final for Portugal against Spain, Ronaldo has now revealed that he does not expect to play at the Club World Cup. 'It's almost decided that I will not take part at the FIFA Club World Cup despite receiving many invitations and proposals,' Ronaldo told reporters. 'There have been talks, contacts… but you have to think about short, medium and long term.' More to follow...


The Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Sun
Ex-Liverpool and Premier League talent guru Malcolm Elias who was behind rise of Trent Alexander and Gareth Bale dies
FORMER Premier League talent spotter and academy recruitment expert Malcolm Elias has passed away aged 71, it has been announced. Fulham FC confirmed Elias' passing in a statement on social media. 1 The post read: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Malcolm Elias, after a short illness. "The Club's Head of Academy Recruitment, Malcolm had a fantastic reputation in football for unearthing and nurturing young talent. "A proud Welshman, Malcolm was approaching his 16th anniversary at Craven Cottage this summer, having joined us from Liverpool in July 2009, while he also previously enjoyed a highly successful spell at Southampton alongside future Fulham colleagues Huw Jennings and Steve Wigley. "The influence that Malcolm had on the modern game cannot be understated, having worked with and developed the likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Luke Harris and Jay Stansfield, to name but a few. "A hugely popular figure around the training ground, Malcolm will be sorely missed by all who knew him. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paula - Malcolm's ever devoted and endlessly supportive wife of nearly 50 years - his sons Andrew and Daniel, his six beloved grandchildren, as well as his additional family and friends." Elias was always highly respected within football, having helped to identify and nurture some of the Premier League's best young talents. The academy recruitment expert previously worked with Liverpool before joining Fulham in 2009 - helping the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott get their breakthroughs. Prior to his time on Merseyside Elias worked with Southampton, where he had an impact on the early emergence of the likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and Gareth Bale. Tributes for the iconic figure have started pouring in as the football world mourns the loss. QPR posted: "We're so sorry for your loss. "Sending sincere condolences to Malcolm's loved ones and all at Fulham." While Oxford United, where Elias worked as an Academy Manager in the 1980s, posted: "Oxford United were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Malcolm Elias. "A former teacher in Blackbird Leys, Malcolm began working at United in the 80's as an Academy Manager. "A much loved person and coach at the Club for more than a decade, Malcolm is an integral part of the Club's history, helping bring through talents such as Joey Beauchamp. "Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time. RIP." THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..


BBC News
42 minutes ago
- BBC News
Academy boss Elias - who developed Bale and Alexander-Arnold
Malcolm Elias, the man responsible for developing Gareth Bale and Trent Alexander-Arnold, has died after a short Fulham's head of academy recruitment, joined the Premier League club from Liverpool in 2009, having previously worked at Southampton. In a statement, Fulham said: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Malcolm Elias, after a short illness."The club's head of academy recruitment, Malcolm had a fantastic reputation in football for unearthing and nurturing young talent."The influence that Malcolm had on the modern game cannot be understated, having worked with and developed the likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Luke Harris and Jay Stansfield, to name but a few."Welshman Elias was born in 1953 and was key in the development of his compatriot Bale at the Southampton went on to win 111 Wales caps and enjoyed a successful club career with Saints, Tottenham and Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles. England's Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, won eight major trophies with boyhood club Liverpool before joining Real Madrid earlier this month."We are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Malcolm Elias, one of the influential figures in the club's youth development history," Southampton said.