Rangers appoint Russell Martin as manager to end long search for new boss as Ibrox revolution continues
RANGERS have appointed former Southampton boss Russell Martin as their new manager.
The 39-year-old has ended months of speculation about the vacancy by accepting the job at Ibrox.
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SunSport were first to tell you back on February 22 - the day Philippe Clement was sacked - that Martin was a serious contender.
Since then a number of names were linked with the position, including former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.
But it is ex-Light Blues defender Martin who has made the most convincing pitch to the new American owners at Ibrox to land the job.
His name never seemed to go away even despite links with Leicester City.
We told you at the start of last week that Martin remained a serious contender and was set for talks to make a fresh pitch for the position.
Ancelotti, son of legendary father Carlo, made it clear that Rangers was his preferred choice but a decision had to be made quickly.
That was before it was announced that the new US consortium, chairman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, would take control of the club last Friday.
New sporting director Kevin Thelwell said only on Monday how Rangers are closing in on a new manager.
And Martin who had a loan spell at Ibrox seven years ago has emerged from the pack of candidates.
He guided Southampton into the Premier League with a play-off win over Leeds United at Wembley a year ago.
But the Saints dropped straight back down after failing to recover from a disastrous start with one win in 16 games, which cost Martin his job.
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