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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
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. 3 New Rangers boss Russell Martin Credit: Getty 3 Former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti was a contender Credit: Getty 3 Steven Gerrard was favourite at one point but dropped out of the running Credit: PA 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. Robert Grieve & Bill Leckie have the very latest on the Rangers manager situation as Steven Gerrard & Russell Martin emerge as front-runners 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. More to follow... Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Rangers boss Michael Beale 'emerges as shock contender alongside Champions League legend for obscure European job'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MICHAEL BEALE is reportedly one of the names being considered to take over as manager at a newly-promoted European club. The former Rangers manager, 44, could make a shock return to Europe after spending the last few months in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq. Sign up for the Rangers newsletter Sign up 2 Michael Beale when he was Rangers manager Credit: Reuters 2 He could return to Europe in a shock appointment Credit: Reuters Beale was brought to the Middle East by Steven Gerrard in November and has continued his role since the Liverpool legend was axed in January. We told you last week how Beale has been in talks over a return to England with Hull City looking for a new manager. The Tigers have yet to land their replacement for Ruben Selles but it's believed Miron Muslic is now the frontrunner to take over the hot-seat. But the ex-Light Blues coach and boss has other options on the table as he eyes a move away from Saudi Arabia. Turkish outlet Ajansspor claim Beale is one of three foreign gaffers in the running to be the next manager of a club in the Super Lig. Kocaelispor will feature in the top flight next season after winning the second division but they'll battle the likes of Galatasaray, Besiktas and Fenerbahce with a new boss in charge after parting ways with title-winning gaffer Ismet Tasdemir. The Kocaeli-based outfit have been on the hunt for a new coach for a number of weeks and Beale has now emerged as a shock contender. It's stated Markus Gisdol, Emre Belozoglu and Selcuk Inan were the initial frontrunners, but Beale and a Champions League legend have now been added to the shortlist. Croatia icon Robert Prosinecki, who was part of the famous Red Star Belgrade European Cup winning side, has also joined the running. However, other reports from Turkey claim a stumbling block has emerged regarding the pursuit of the former Sunderland and QPR boss. Robert Grieve & Bill Leckie have the very latest on the Rangers manager situation as Steven Gerrard & Russell Martin emerge as front-runners It's said club chiefs have been in talks with Beale's representatives over the last few days but they have now reached an impasse. His salary is not believed to be an issue but the 44-year-old has reportedly demanded a long-term contract which Kocaelispor are not willing to agree to. It's also stated that Beale wants to live in Istanbul - an hour's drive from Kocaeli - and he hopes to have a large say in the day-to-day running of the club, which the board are not keen on. It seems like the Englishman's demands will put him far down the pecking order, with Kocaelispor's higher-ups keen to appoint their new manager as soon as possible. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
