Russell Martin to Rangers ‘makes sense' claims ex-Premier League star as he reveals trait that makes him top candidate
The ace was a former target of Celtic but has backed Martin to succeed on the other side of Glasgow
RUSS HOUR Russell Martin to Rangers 'makes sense' claims ex-Premier League star as he reveals trait that makes him top candidate
RANGERS suffered another disappointment under Barry Ferguson with a 2-2 draw against St Mirren on Saturday.
The interim Gers boss is battling to prove he deserves the permanent gig - but a former Premier League player has tipped Russell Martin for the job instead.
Advertisement
3
Russell Martin has been tipped to be named permanent Rangers manager
Credit: Getty
3
Barry Ferguson has been in interim charge since February but has just four wins from 11 games
Credit: PA
3
Martin was sacked by Southampton in December, but an ex-Saints ace has backed him to succeed in Scotland
Credit: Getty
Ferguson demanded five wins from five from Rangers to end the season, but his struggling outfit fell at the first hurdle.
The 2-2 draw at the SMISA Stadium means the Ibrox interim now has a record of four wins from 11 since replacing Philippe Clement in February.
The Gers Hall of Famer revealed he is set for talks with incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell, promising to be 'honest and clear' when the pair 'bang heads'.
But ex-Premier League striker Shane Long has instead revealed he fancies Russell Martin to step into the hotseat.
Advertisement
Martin recently dodged the question when asked on Sky whether he would consider returning to Scotland to manage in Glasgow.
But Long told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Irish Premier Division Odds & Betting, that he thinks the ex-Southampton gaffer's passing style would be a success in the Premiership.
Long said: "He plays a lovely style of football, passing it out from the back and he gets that kind of belief in the players to do it, go out there and show it.
"In that league, Rangers need to play that way to dominate teams because teams are going to sit back in and defend so you need to be able to pass it around and open up gaps and spaces."
Advertisement
Martin turned out for Gers in the 2017/18 season, as well as earning 29 caps for the Scottish national team.
Long continued: "He's obviously played up there as well so it does make sense for him to go back.
Celtic fans demand 'build him a statue' after Daizen Maeda trolls Rangers during four-in-a-row title party
"I've met him a few times and he's a lovely guy.
"He loves the game of football, he lives and breathes it and I think to be a manager at Rangers or Celtic, you need to have that extra love for the game and he's definitely got that."
Advertisement
Long recently revealed that he twice missed out on a move to Celtic Park in his career.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
10 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Rangers legend Ally McCoist CRASHES in four-person pile-up on second day of epic 555-mile charity bike ride
He wanted to keep it quiet! OUT THE SADDLE Rangers legend Ally McCoist CRASHES in four-person pile-up on second day of epic 555-mile charity bike ride Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RANGERS legend Ally McCoist has revealed he was caught up in a four-person bike crash during the second day of an epic 555-mile charity ride. McCoist and several others are taking part in the Doddie'5 Lions Challenge to raise money for Motor Neuron Disease. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 3 Ally McCoist is raising money in memory of rugby great Doddie Weir Credit: Getty - Pool 3 McCoist with Hamish Weir, Doddie's oldest son, on the 555-mile bike journey 3 McCoist and pals did a 700-mile bike ride in 2023 Credit: PA The challenge is being run by former Scotland rugby hero Doddie Weir's My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. The journey from Belfast to Dublin will cover all four provinces on the island of Ireland and on the way they will be visiting the British & Irish Lions' Origin Clubs. The group will present the match ball for the British & Irish Lions vs Argentina match at the Aviva Stadium to finish off the challenge. Weir died in 2022, six years after being diagnosed with MND. By the time of his death, his foundation had already raised £8millon. Rangers icon McCoist was a friend of Weir's and has taken part in several fundraising activities for the charity. He signed up for the bike ride and the group of cyclists are currently on the second day of the challenge. And it hasn't been without a few bumps in the road. McCoist said in a clip filmed for his Instagram alongside Weir's eldest son, Hamish: "We're here in beautiful southern Ireland, after leaving Westport this morning at about half past eight. It was meant to be eight o'clock! "We're on our way to Galway and we're about a quarter of the way through and so we've stopped for a coffee and a bit of carrot cake. Moment Ally McCoist interrupts live radio to congratulate his 'wee pal' on signing for Rangers "But the difference today mate, it's been unbelievably windy. "It's been a struggle today. "Yesterday was great fun, no wind, but the boys have felt a little bit of pain through the wind today. "We've had one missing in action, Duncan's gave himself a sore one so hopefully he's okay." At this point, Hamish reminded the Ibrox favourite of his own accident in the saddle. He said: "You've had a little bit of an accident, talk us through it." McCoist replied: "Yes, I just came off myself actually. I was hoping to let that one go Hamish but thanks very much! "I had three people in front of me who were down, I shan't name names but I just went into the back of them but hey, we're all fine. "It was a comfy landing, I landed on one of the bigger boys." McCoist added: "We're here for your dad, we're here for MND and we're trying to raise as much money as humanly possible and we're having a bit of fun doing it as well. "We've been meeting some great people, the people of Ballymena looked after us, Monaghan looked after us. The people here have been wonderful." The footballer-turned-pundit also provided a written update on his Instagram. He said: "Day 2 - we're now 217 miles in, 338 to go. "Conditions today were effectively brutal, horrendous head wind and two men down. "If you can, please donate using the link in my bio, anything at all, we would be most grateful. "See you tomorrow, Limerick." McCoist and company were encouraged on by some famous friends in the comments section. Cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy, who revealed his own struggles with cancer last year, said: "Keep it going!" Fellow cycling superstar Mark Cavendish said: "Good lad!" And former cruiser-weight boxing champion Tony Bellew said: "Well done champ." McCoist has set up his own dedicated fundraising page for the cause. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
10 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Aston Villa to take on European giants Roma at 11,300-seater EFL stadium as bizarre friendly is announced
Fans all said the same thing as they reacted to strange news ASTON LA VISTA Aston Villa to take on European giants Roma at 11,300-seater EFL stadium as bizarre friendly is announced Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ASTON VILLA will take on Italian giants Roma in a pre-season friendly at a tiny EFL stadium. Unai Emery's men are currently on holiday following their sixth-place Premier League finish and run to the Champions League quarters. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Aston Villa will play Roma in a pre-season 'home' friendly - but it won't take place at Villa Park Credit: Reuters But they will be eager to hit the ground running in August after missing out on Champions League qualification. And Villa have a host of friendlies lined up, starting with a clash against Midlands rivals Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. They then take on Hansa Rostock in Germany before travelling to America for games with Eintracht Frankfurt, St Louis City and Nashville. Villa will then return to England where they will host Roma on August 6. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL GROUND TO A HALT Abandoned 34,500-seater stadium tipped to host Euro 2028 games lands £50m But the match will not be taking place at their home stadium of Villa Park. Instead, Emery's team will face Roma at the home of rivals Walsall. The Bescot Stadium, where Villa are starting their pre-season, holds just 11,300 fans. There has been no explanation as to why the match will take place there. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But it is likely that Villa will be making final preparations to their pitch and arena before the start of the new Premier League season on Friday August 16. Villa Park will host four concerts throughout the summer, which will require plenty of maintenance to set up and then dismantle. Jack Grealish has gone from eye-catching showman and heartthrob to miserable bench warmer - and I know who's to blame 2 Villa will host Roma at Walsall's Bescot Stadium Credit: Getty Veteran rockers Guns N' Roses kick things off on June 23, with pop star Chris Brown performing three days later. Saturday July 5 then sees metal legends Black Sabbath play their final-ever show. And the last concert takes place on July 10 with a performance from Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Fans reacted with confusion to the announcement, with one saying: 'Tell them to use their own ground.' Another declared: 'Absolute criminals.' One noted: 'State of it.' Another added: 'Villa using you for a training ground.'
The Sun
15 minutes ago
- The Sun
Aston Villa to take on European giants Roma at 11,300-seater EFL stadium as bizarre friendly is announced
ASTON VILLA will take on Italian giants Roma in a pre-season friendly at a tiny EFL stadium. Unai Emery's men are currently on holiday following their sixth-place Premier League finish and run to the Champions League quarters. 2 But they will be eager to hit the ground running in August after missing out on Champions League qualification. And Villa have a host of friendlies lined up, starting with a clash against Midlands rivals Walsall at the Bescot Stadium. They then take on Hansa Rostock in Germany before travelling to America for games with Eintracht Frankfurt, St Louis City and Nashville. Villa will then return to England where they will host Roma on August 6. But the match will not be taking place at their home stadium of Villa Park. Instead, Emery's team will face Roma at the home of rivals Walsall. The Bescot Stadium, where Villa are starting their pre-season, holds just 11,300 fans. There has been no explanation as to why the match will take place there. But it is likely that Villa will be making final preparations to their pitch and arena before the start of the new Premier League season on Friday August 16. Villa Park will host four concerts throughout the summer, which will require plenty of maintenance to set up and then dismantle. Jack Grealish has gone from eye-catching showman and heartthrob to miserable bench warmer - and I know who's to blame 2 Veteran rockers Guns N' Roses kick things off on June 23, with pop star Chris Brown performing three days later. Saturday July 5 then sees metal legends Black Sabbath play their final-ever show. And the last concert takes place on July 10 with a performance from Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Fans reacted with confusion to the announcement, with one saying: 'Tell them to use their own ground.' Another declared: 'Absolute criminals.' One noted: 'State of it.'
