Why Ibrox experience 'will play in favour' of Martin

BBC News

7 days ago

Russell Martin's understanding of the "size, pressure and expectation" at Rangers will only benefit the former Ibrox defender if he lands the vacant manager role, says ex-goalkeeper Cammy Bell.The 39-year-old is reported to be the frontrunner - ahead of Davide Ancelotti - to become the permanent replacement of Philippe Clement, who was sacked 100 days ago.Martin has been out of work since being dismissed by Southampton in December after a gruelling Premier League experience.Some fans are underwhelmed by the potential appointment, but former Rangers goalkeeper Bell believes Martin's brief time on loan at Ibrox as a player in 2018 will "play in the favour" of the ex-Scotland defender.Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Bell said: "Having been there myself as a player and having that experience, I think it's really difficult for people who are from outside the country and don't know much about Rangers."Understanding the size of the club, the expectations of the club, the pressures of the club, all these things can get thrown at you. But until you actually experience it, I don't think you can really really understand it."That's one thing Martin's had. He had a short, brief spell at Rangers, but he understands the size, pressure and expectation that's going to be there daily. "That is a factor and it will play in the favour of Martin as well."