Martin a 'fantastic' Rangers appointment, says Boyd
Kris Boyd understands Rangers fan concerns about new head coach Russell Martin, but believes the Ibrox club have made a "fantastic" decision in appointing the former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton boss.Former striker Boyd feels Martin's past experience at Ibrox as a player, and his proven ability to improve teams, makes him the "right appointment"."A lot of fans are unhappy and have got concerns," Boyd said on Sky Sports. "I completely understand that. "But when you speak to people within football, Martin is highly thought of. This move is one he wanted. He decided Rangers were for him."It's a fantastic appointment. He's already been here as a player, he understands the pressure and the demands that are put on you as a player, but as a manager that's totally different - you have to deal with everything."Boyd describes Martin, who had a brief loan spell at Rangers in 2018, as a "football encyclopaedia" and "someone who's been driven by wanting to be a coach for a long, long time".The former Scotland defender's managerial career was on a perfect trajectory after a rapid rise from England's third tier to the top flight.But Martin was sacked by Southampton in December amid a run of just one win from their opening 16 Premier League games.The new Rangers boss faced criticism for refusing to adjust his possession-based style of play, but Boyd feels he will improve as a coach as a result of that difficult time."Will he be a better manager for that? Absolutely," Boyd added. "If he was given more time, I'm not saying he would have turned it around, but people would look at him differently. "You've got to praise managers who have a style of play about them. Coming up through the [Championship] play-offs with Southampton, he had to change a lot. "He changed the style and culture so quickly, you still have to say it was a job well done."
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