Russell Martin gives his first words as new Rangers head coach

Russell Martin gives his first words as Rangers confirm he is the new head coach, signing a three year deal with the club.

They has been a lot of speculation regarding Martin over recent weeks, reports saying he snubbed taking a job with an EFL Championship club.

But finally, he’s found the club for him, and Rangers have chosen their man to lead them going into their new chapter.

Martin, 39, had managed over 250 games at MK Dons, Swansea City, and Southampton, led the latter to Premier League promotion in 2024.

A former Scotland international with 29 caps, he also played briefly on loan at Rangers in 2018.

He is joined by Assistant Head Coach Matt Gill and Performance Coach Rhys Owen.

Martin aims to bring success, focusing on bravery, aggression, and a style that controls the game, with pre-season preparations already underway.

CEO Patrick Stewart and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell highlighted Martin’s tactical acumen, leadership, and alignment with the club’s vision for a winning culture and dominant football.

Chairman Andrew Cavenagh emphasised the rigorous selection process and Martin’s role in driving long-term success.

✍️ We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Russell Martin as Head Coach of our men’s first team on a three-year deal.

Full Details ⬇️

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 5, 2025

CLUB STATEMENT:

RANGERS Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Russell Martin as Head Coach of our men’s first team on a three-year deal.

Martin, 39, has managed over 250 games in professional football at MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton, leading the latter to promotion to the Premier League in 2024.

Capped 29 times for Scotland, Martin’s playing career was extensive, not least as captain of Norwich City in the English top-flight, while he also had a short loan spell at Rangers in 2018.

Joining Martin in Glasgow will be Assistant Head Coach, Matt Gill, and Performance Coach, Rhys Owen.

Speaking upon his appointment, Russell Martin said: “It is a privilege to be named Head Coach of Rangers Football Club at the beginning of this exciting new chapter.

“I know what this club demands. From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history. Now, as I return, I’m determined to bring success back, for the supporters, the players, and everyone inside this club.

I’m here to set standards, work hard and do my very best to earn the respect of the Rangers fans.
“There’s a lot to be done, but the goal is clear: win matches, win trophies, and give Rangers fans a team that they can be proud of. We want to play with bravery, to take the ball, to be aggressive, and to stand up in the big moments.

“Preparations for pre-season are already underway. I look forward to meeting the players and building a squad that our fans can believe in.”

Rangers Chief Executive Officer, Patrick Stewart, who led the search along with Kevin Thelwell, commented: “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.”

Rangers Sporting Director, Kevin Thelwell added: “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. 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.”

Rangers Chairman, Andrew Cavenagh, continued: “I am delighted to welcome Russell to Rangers. This was a thorough, rigorous process and Russell impressed throughout. His appointment embodies the club’s goal of attracting top talent, empowering them, and supporting them.

“We believe that Russell can improve on-pitch performance while also helping build the culture and infrastructure necessary for consistent and long-term success.”

Twitter users reacted as Russell Martin gives his first words as new Rangers head coach…

@416ix1872: Not what most of us wanted but we need to support him and the board must back him with players coming in. He needs to be ruthless with players leaving. Recruitment is key & I hope we don’t ditch looking at other markets. English league journeymen has never worked for us…

@RangersChat1873: After all the hype of the takeover, fans getting excited over the prospect of a return to glory and picking up trophies. We’re landed with Russell Martin to lead the charge. What an embarrassment 😳

@Anon96011111: The levels of disrespect shown to this fella is terrible, the blokes a good manager was never gonna keep Southampton up but I think he’ll be fine here if the club backs him

@BabuKaur55: A new chapter in the history of our club. Russell Martin has been entrusted to take Rangers back to the top. I wish him good luck, and every success. Excited for the start of the season.
We are Ready ❤️🤍💙

@dave_n84: Welcome to the club Russell. Win games, win trophies, that’s all you have to do.

@MawsYt: Best to start looking for managers the now then we’ll need to get ahead of the competition when we are looking for a new manager come Christmas🥱

@__JH72: Although he wasn’t people’s first choice (or probably second) it’s time to get behind him and the club, stop being so negative. A new era 💙

@trotterstlushie: As a Saints fan I will definitely be looking out for your results now, Russ is a top chap! Wishing him every success

@jimshoe001: Good luck Russell. Prove the doubters wrong 🥊

@ChefAdam240985: Not sure if this is the right appointment or not, time will tell and at Rangers he won’t be allowed much room for dropping any points, time to get behind him regardless. 🔴⚪️🔵

@petera1872: I mean the comments from thelwell are fair enough in terms of what they want/expect from this appointment but the absolute priority now is to get players in that can fit that style/philosophy because you ain’t getting a high press off dessers, bardjami etc for a start

@ewencameronruns: Not going to pretend I’m overly impressed but we have to place some faith in the new owners and trust that the process was robust. Martin comes in with a fan base to win over. That has to start with signings, departures and winning games. Do that and he’ll be ok. Onwards.

@tomhwilliams23: Always thought Russell Martin’s style would translate well to a side who are one of the better sides in the league. Rangers are obvs that, so I think, stylistically, it could be a great fit; will dominate a lot of games. Rangers fans not happy though; that’s his first challenge

Two choices for Rangers fans: moan about it like many still are and set him up to fail before he’s started or back the decision and at least give it a chance to succeed. There’s already plenty of others elsewhere who’ll be doing and saying everything they can to make it backfire. https://t.co/S361fX6EKc

— Andrew Dickson (@mrandrewdickson) June 5, 2025