Yesterday was a confusing and eventful day for Rangers supporters, the new Rangers board firstly appeared to have made their decision on a new Head Coach at the club, then it transpired that the decision had indeed not been decided.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that former Southampton boss Russell Martin was set to be appointed to the Ibrox hot seat, Romano is usually a very reliable source, and the deal seemed to be completed.
🚨🔵 Rangers are closing in on the appointment of Russell Martin as new head coach.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 3, 2025
Former Southampton manager has already accepted the project, ready for new chapter. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/WAKp4hSBfk
However, sources that deal with the club such as the Heart & Hand Podcast and the Rangers Review both later reported that both Martin and Davide Ancelotti remained in discussions with the club and these talks remained ongoing.
On Russell Martin, but my understanding is that Rangers haven’t completed their discussions with candidates (plural) never mind offered anyone.
— Heart & Hand Podcast (@ibroxrocks) June 3, 2025
Not to say it won’t end up being him but reports a decision has been taken are premature.
The merry-go-round has continued today with Spanish journalist and author Guillem Balague, who last week indicated that Ancelotti, son of Brazil manager Carlo, was the front runner for the Rangers role providing an update on the situation from the Italian coach's camp.
He suggested that Rangers had narrowed their shortlist down to the two coaches mentioned, after Steven Gerrard's withdrawl from the running and that they were still in the process of deciding between both.
Rangers have to decide between Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti. They both like very much the idea. That is the latest I am hearing. Logically the decision should be soon, it would make sense that it takes not longer than the end of the week
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) June 4, 2025
Meanwhile, this is YOU taking… https://t.co/ROC5WABRh2
Inside Ibrox initially reported on rumours that a press conference was set for today, however, this now appears to not be the case and we expect the negotiations to continue on another week before a final decision is made.
Should this change we will provide you an update as soon as we possibly can. Rangers need to make this decision with UEFA Champions League qualifiers and the return of players to pre-season training at the Rangers Training Centre on the horizon.
Ancelotti or Martin? We all have our preferences, but the most important matter is getting the right man for the job, in the opinion of the board in, as soon as we can.