Rangers announced the appointment of Russell Martin as our 20th permanent boss on Thursday morning via a press conference within the bounds of the Ibrox Blue Room. The media had the chance to speak with the new man himself alongside new Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.
There have been reservations from sections of the support about the former Ibrox loanee’s ability and credentials to take on the top job at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, having only managed in the English lower leagues with MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton, before enduring a harrowing six months in the Premier League with the Saints last season after guiding them to promotion via the playoffs.
We’ve posted the main quotes across Inside Ibrox over the past couple of days, but now we’ll address the FIVE main talking points from his initial press conference as our new gaffer:
Martin can change tactically
One of the most notable admissions was Martin’s willingness to adapt his tactical principles. While he’s known for his possession-based style, at times frustratingly rigid at previous clubs, he stressed that his approach at Rangers would be “pragmatic” and “intelligent.”
He said: “We want to dominate the ball, but there will be times when it’s about winning in other ways,” hinting at a more versatile philosophy to meet the differing demands of domestic and European football.
He is not fazed by fan opinion
Martin didn’t shy away from addressing the scepticism surrounding his appointment. Rather than deflecting, he faced it head-on.
“That’s football, I’ve been doubted at every stage. It’s up to me to show why I’m here.”
He doubled down on this, saying he has been successful previously, despite never being the fans first pick at any club.
He said: “I don't think I've been the number one choice at any club I've been at, and I hope people judge me on this moment.”
His calm but assertive tone made it clear: he respects the passion and scrutiny that comes with the Rangers job and welcomes it.
There is money to spend
Both Martin and Thelwell were clear, there will be backing in the transfer market. The manager spoke of “ambitious” plans, and Thelwell confirmed that the recruitment team has been hard at work for weeks behind the scenes.
Thelwell said: “We’re aligned in our vision, there’s a strategy, there’s support, and there will be resources to make it happen.”
Stewart added to this, he said: “It's very public knowledge about the primary investment coming in and obviously, that's going to be approved.
"Player trading is a key part of the club's model going forward.
“A decent portion will be allocated towards player trading.”
Expect early movement in the window.
He Wants to Make Amends for His Playing Spell
Martin's brief loan spell at Ibrox in 2018 left little impression. The man himself admitted as much.
Speaking on his loan spell at the club he candidly said: “It didn’t go how I wanted, and this is a chance to put things right.”
That sense of unfinished business adds a personal layer to his appointment, he’s not just managing the club; he’s chasing Rangers redemption.
We Were His First Choice. And He Was Ours
Martin revealed that when the opportunity came, he had “no hesitation” in making the jump. And according to Thelwell and Stewart, the feeling was mutual.
Thelwell said: “Russell was the outstanding candidate.
“He understands the scale, the standards, and the expectations of this club.”
Stewart echoed that sentiment, stating: “We believe in his philosophy and his character.
“He’s the right man to lead us forward.”
Martin’s unveiling might not have silenced all doubters, but it certainly set the tone. He comes across as confident, considered, and clear in his vision for Rangers. Now the real work begins, on the training pitch, in the boardroom, and soon, under the lights of Ibrox.