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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
The five things that made Russell Martin the ‘standout' candidate to be Rangers boss
RUSSELL MARTIN might need some time to win over the Rangers fans. But it became clear early on to the men who interviewed him for the head coach post at Ibrox that he was THE man to turn things around. 1 Russell Martin has been unveiled as the new head coach at Rangers Martin was confirmed as the new Rangers boss this morning and described being given the job as a "privilege". He's well-known for his commitment to his own particular style of play - and a reluctance to change it. Ibrox chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell led the search to appoint the new manager. Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti were strongly considered, with ex-Ajax boss Francesco Farioli, Feynoor's Brian Priske and ex-RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose also linked with the role. But Thelwell, who joined the club from Everton just before the 49ers takeover was announced, has outlined what made the former Gers, Norwich City and Scotland defender their standout candidate. He listed five things about the 39-year-old and his football philosophy that appealed to the him and the board. And despite his torrid time with Southampton in t he Premier League, Thelwell insists Martin is now a BETTER manager for it. He said: 'Through the many conversations Patrick and I have had with Russell in recent weeks, he has emerged as the outstanding candidate. 'Russell comes to Rangers with hard-earned experience. 'His time in the Premier League has sharpened his approach, both tactically and personally. What next for Rangers after American takeover is confirmed? 'He's better for it, and we believe that will translate into the kind of leadership and performance our supporters expect. 'His teams play dominant football, they control the ball, dictate the tempo and impose themselves physically. They press aggressively and work relentlessly off the ball. These are all characteristics that we believe are required to be successful at home, away, and abroad. 'We're looking forward to getting to work with Russell immediately as we prepare for a demanding and important season ahead.' Chief exec Stewart added: 'Our criteria for our next coach were clear: we wanted a coach who will excel in terms of how we want to play, improve our culture, develop our squad, and ultimately win matches. Russell was the standout candidate. 'This appointment is about building a winning team and a strong culture. He is no stranger to our club, we expect success and Russell knows that. We are excited for his leadership.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Next Rangers manager twist as double title-winning boss rivals Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin for Ibrox job
Two names have dominated the race to become the next Rangers manager, but now there is another who is seemingly in contention in the final stages. Former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin have been the frontrunners over the past few weeks. 3 Former Real Madrid assistant coach Davide Ancelotti Credit: PA 3 Ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin Credit: Getty 3 Former Leipzig boss Marco Rose Credit: AP Other candidates Steven Gerrard, ex-Ajax man Francesco Farioli and former Feyenoord's Brian Priske have also been in the mix at some stage and fallen away. Now on Tuesday, ex-RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose, who appeared to be among the serious contenders at the end of April, is once again seemingly in the running. Bookmakers are making him third favourite to take the reins at Ibrox after being sacked by Leipzig in March following a disappointing Bundesliga and Champions League campaign. German coach Rose has had success at another club owned by Red Bull, winning two leagues titles at Austrian outfit Salzburg. The energy drinks giant also has a strong connection with the 49ers Enterprises at Leeds United, owning a minority stake in the club and are shirt sponsors. 49ers Enterprises are part of the US consortium, along private healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, which has assumed control of the Ibrox club after buying up a 51 per cent stake. That is leading to speculation that Rose could be in the frame for the job with his previous connection with Red Bull clubs. New sporting director at Rangers, Kevin Thelwell, also worked at New York Red Bulls. The former Everton man says he hopes to announce a new manager "in the coming days". The momentum keeps swinging between Martin and Ancelotti, with the Italian the slight favourite on Tuesday morning. Both are due to have a final round of talks before new chairman Andrew Cavenagh makes a decision. Rangers fans react as 49ers takeover completed At the time of writing, Marco Rose in third, is an outside bet at 8/1. Rangers icon Ally McCoist believes the club have to move quickly to appoint a new manager, with just a few weeks away before European qualifiers take place. He told Talksport: "They need to appoint a new manager as soon as possible. "Whether it's Davide Ancelotti or Russell Martin, I know there was talk of ex-Ajax coach Farioli and Brian Priske who was at Feyenoord, they were all names thrown about in recent weeks. "I am more concerned about time as we are right into qualification game almost immediately." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
‘Absolute box office' – former Rangers star shares his pick of the favourites to land Ibrox manager role
A former Gers manager, ex-player, and recent rival are all in contention BEST BET 'Absolute box office' – former Rangers star shares his pick of the favourites to land Ibrox manager role QUESTION marks still remain over the future of the role of manager at Ibrox. Rangers are still with interim boss Barry Ferguson and his temporary team, but with big changes impending thanks to a summer takeover it's uncertain whether he'll stay on. Advertisement 7 Interim Rangers boss Barry Ferguson's future remains uncertain Credit: Kenny Ramsay 7 Steven Gerrard remains the bookie's favourite to return to the dugout Credit: The Sun 7 Gers hero Alan Hutton has shared his 'box office' pick Credit: Willie Vass He has picked up big results against Celtic and in the Europa League but has struggled and led several - as old teammate Steven Thompson put it - 'inept' performances. With the odds ever shifting on who the next gaffer will be, a former Gers ace has shared his thoughts on who he'd prefer in the dugout. Alan Hutton played in blue between 2002 and 2008 after he came through the youth ranks in Glasgow, meaning he played alongside Fergie many times. Previous Rangers manager Steven Gerrard remains the bookies favourite and Hutton previously called him the 'safer choice', having already won a Premiership title in 2021. Advertisement He still backs the Liverpool legend to some extent, but has now talked up his ambitious 'box office' pick amongst other potential options. Though he's slipped down the favourites list slightly, managerial icon Jose Mourinho's name entered the discussion when he refused to rule out a spell in Glasgow. Ferguson's Gers took on Mourinho's Fenerbahce in the Europa League with the Ibrox side progressing on penalties back in March. On the former Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss, Hutton said to BoyleSports: "Jose Mourinho at Rangers would be absolute box office, I'm sure of it. Advertisement "He was asked the question when Rangers played Fenerbahce, and he didn't say no. It seemed like he would quite like and fancy something like that. So it would be interesting. "I think for a guy of his experience and quality to come in, it's probably something that Rangers need at this moment in time because they're going to go through, I feel, a big rebuild, especially with the takeover that's happening and the changes behind the scenes. Barry Ferguson is on the brink of erupting at his Rangers squad "You need somebody with that experience that can deal with those sorts of pressures and maintain what they need to do against obviously Celtic and the rest of the league. "So it would be brilliant to see. I'd love to see his press conferences from week to week, I'm sure it'd be fun." Advertisement But as things stand the bookies are tipping Gerrard or ex-RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund man Marco Rose ahead of the rest. The 50-time Scotland cap thinks Rose has a unique selling point, but ultimately is not his choice. He said: "Marco Rose has been mentioned in recent weeks. I think he's got a wealth of experience. "He's got a background working with RB Leipzig and Salzburg and they've kind of linked with the 49ers enterprise. So that could be something that could be looked at as well. Advertisement "But you need an experienced manager to go in and deal with the situation. There's a lot going on at the club. 7 Ferguson and Hutton were teammates for club and country Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd 7 The legendary Jose Mourinho's name has been floated Credit: Getty 7 Marco Rose is the bookie's second choice Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 Former Ger Russell Martin is also in the mix Credit: PA:Press Association "There's going to be a lot of changes within the playing squad and the backroom staff. So to be able to deal with that and deal with Celtic and their dominance, you need experience. "Steven Gerrard's been there, he's done it, he's won the league there, he knows what it takes, he knows the pressure that he'll be under. "Whether he fancies coming back or not, we'll have to wait and see, but there are a number of decent candidates out there that we'll be looking at." Advertisement The final name put to him was a one-time Gers player in the form of Russell Martin, who is tipped at the same odds as the Portuguese legend. In December Martin was sacked from Southampton after picking up one win in 16 league matches, who have since been relegated from the Premier League comfortably in last place. His ex-Scotland teammate Hutton said: "The big thing for me is the style of play, Russell Martin has shown that at MK Dons as well, where he started and then moved on to Swansea and Southampton. "It didn't quite work in the Premier League because it's a different animal and the way he plays open and expansive at times, especially when you're a smaller club in terms of the Premier League, it might not quite work for you. Advertisement "I think there's always a risk, whatever manager you bring in, but he's young, he's hungry, he wants to do well. I think it could work with his style. "I think the fans would definitely take to it. But look, we're going to have to wait and see. "After the takeover, they'll then decide. So like I said, there's going to be a lot of change in the upcoming months." Next Rangers manager odds Accurate to bet365 as of 6/5/2025 Steven Gerrard 4/7 Marco Rose 7/2 Barry Ferguson 10/1 Rafa Benitez 10/1 Sean Dyche 12/1 Edin Terzic 16/1 Danny Rohl 20/1 Jose Mourinho 20/1 Russell Martin 20/1 Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
