Martin Appointed New Head Coach of Rangers
Russell Martin Named Rangers Head Coach, Vows to Deliver Success at Ibrox
Russell Martin has officially been appointed as the new head coach of Rangers on a three-year contract, marking the beginning of a new chapter under the club’s recently installed US-based ownership consortium, which includes the San Francisco 49ers’ investment arm.
Martin, 39, returns to Ibrox—where he once played on loan—with a clear message: he understands what Rangers demand and is fully committed to restoring the club to glory.
“From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is—the expectation, the passion, and the history,” Martin said after his appointment was confirmed.
“I’m back to bring success, to set standards, and to give everything to earn the respect of the Rangers fans.”
Martin emerged as the top candidate in a search led by Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart and new sporting director Kevin Thelwell.
Other names reportedly considered included former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti, ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, Brian Priske, and Francesco Farioli.
Stewart described Martin as the “standout candidate,” emphasizing the club’s vision of building a winning culture and playing progressive football.
“We wanted a coach who understands how we want to play, can improve our squad and culture, and win matches. Russell ticks all those boxes.”
Martin’s coaching team includes long-time assistant Matt Gill and performance coach Rhys Owen, with more backroom appointments expected.
His role as “head coach” fits into the club’s restructured management model, with Thelwell and technical director Dan Purdy overseeing broader football operations.
Tactical Identity and Career Track Record
Martin is known for implementing a possession-based, high-intensity style. Thelwell said his sides “control the ball, dictate tempo, press aggressively, and work relentlessly off the ball”—attributes Rangers believe are essential both domestically and in European competition.
His managerial journey began with MK Dons in League One, followed by stints at Swansea City and Southampton.
While his time at MK Dons and Swansea showed mixed results in terms of league position, he earned praise for the quality of football and squad development.
At Southampton, Martin led the team to a 25-game unbeaten streak and Premier League promotion via a play-off win over Leeds.
However, a difficult return to the top flight saw him dismissed after a poor run of form.
Despite those setbacks, his overall win percentage stands at around 45%, and Rangers believe his experiences have sharpened both his tactical acumen and leadership.
A Story of Resilience and Determination
Martin’s personal journey is as compelling as his professional one.
Raised in a challenging environment marked by his father’s volatility and gambling issues, he overcame adversity, holding down jobs like cleaning toilets and night shifts before making his professional debut at 18.
A battle with ulcerative colitis later in life forced him to drastically alter his lifestyle, including switching to a vegan diet.
He’s been open about the complexity of his upbringing and how it shaped his character and determination—qualities that now drive his ambition at Rangers.
“I want to win matches, win trophies, and give fans a team they’re proud of,” he said. “We’ll play with bravery and stand tall in the biggest moments.”
Martin is expected to speak publicly for the first time as head coach later today.
Martin Appointed New Head Coach of Rangers