New Rangers Head Coach Russell Martin has described his previous spell at Ibrox as the “one regret” of his playing career, as he faced the media for the first time since his appointment.
Martin was officially unveiled at Ibrox this morning, speaking alongside new Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart. During his press conference, the former defender reflected on his six-month loan stint with Rangers in 2018 under then-manager Graeme Murty.
Martin joined the club from Norwich City during the January transfer window and featured 17 times, scoring once in a 2-1 victory over Hearts at Ibrox.
However, the spell was far from a success. He was part of a defence that faltered after a 3-2 home defeat to Celtic and was involved in two heavy Old Firm losses, 4-0 in the Scottish Cup semi-final, followed by a 5-0 league defeat at Celtic Park.
It was a difficult time for the club, and for Martin personally, as he acknowledged during today’s press briefing.
He said: “When I look back on my career as a player, one thing that hurts me a lot is that it didn’t go very well here.
“I wasn’t quite in the right place physically to do as well as I possibly could, and it was a difficult time for the club.
“I am desperate to show a different version of myself here than I did previously.”
Though the disappointment of his previous stint wasn’t the only factor in his decision to take on the role, Martin made it clear it played a part.
He stated the chance to make a better impression were a major factor that came into his decision making prior to taking the job at Ibrox.
Rangers supporters will appreciate the honesty and self-awareness, but the challenge now is to back up those words with results on the park. With pre-season fast approaching, the pressure is already on to show he’s the right man to lead the club forward.
Hopefully for him and for us as supporters, he make memories filled with Ibrox joy rather than Rangers regret this time round.