The new era at Ibrox has begun with the appointment of Russell Martin as Rangers’ Head Coach on a three-year contract. Following an exhaustive recruitment process, the 39-year-old returns to the club with a clear vision and a powerful message: “We have to win – and win our fans over.”
This is the first major footballing decision under the club’s new leadership, fronted by Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and CEO Patrick Stewart, backed by the San Francisco 49ers Enterprises. And while many supporters have met the appointment with scepticism — including us at Ibrox Insider — the time for division is over. It’s time to get behind the man and judge him by what comes next.
A Process-Driven Appointment
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart revealed that Martin’s appointment came after a wide-ranging football review and the development of a new sporting identity, overseen by Director of Football Kevin Thelwell. That identity, they say, demands a high-performance culture, a clear playing philosophy, and consistent squad development.
“This is a very significant week,” Stewart said. “We’re doing things in the right order — football experts making football decisions. Russell was the standout candidate, and he knows Rangers expect success.”
Thelwell added:
“Russell’s journey through the Premier League has sharpened his approach. His teams dominate with the ball, press intensely and impose themselves physically. That’s what we need at Rangers — at home, away, and in Europe.”
Martin: “I Know What This Club Demands”
Martin was open and grounded in his first appearance in front of the media. He admitted the process had been long and challenging, but made clear that Rangers was the one job he wanted.
“It’s a privilege to be here,” he said. “I’ve had offers, but this was different. My playing spell here didn’t go well, and that hurt. I’m desperate to show a different version of myself.”
His aims are simple, but steeped in expectation:
Win matchesWin trophiesBuild a culture everyone inside the club can feelCreate assets and value on the pitchGive Rangers fans a team to be proud of
Martin will be joined by Assistant Head Coach Matt Gill, a trusted technical operator, and Performance Coach Rhys Owen, who is aligned with the physical demands of Martin’s pressing style. Together, they will form a new coaching group alongside existing staff at Auchenhowie.
Style of Play: Courage and Intensity
Martin’s footballing philosophy is already well documented, but this was the clearest articulation yet:
“We’ll be aggressive with and without the ball. We want courage and intensity, clarity in our roles, and freedom in the final third. We’ll take the ball in risky places but always give players the solutions.“
He also made a point of consistency, not in shape or tactics, but in mentality. That includes the high work-rate and physical output he expects from every player — something he says fans will see and respond to.
“My job is to give the fans a team they can believe in. The supporters are the most important people at this club — they’ll be here long after I’m gone. I have to earn their trust.”
Transfers and the £20m Debate
On recruitment, Martin confirmed that a decent portion of the £20m investment from the new owners will go toward the playing squad. But he was quick to stress the importance of sustainability and player trading as part of long-term growth.
“We’re building a team that wins and creates value. Player trading is crucial. Recruitment is a collaboration – Kevin [Thelwell] and I are aligned in how we want to build the squad.“
Early Impressions and Realistic Expectations
When asked if Rangers could win the title next season, Martin’s answer was careful but optimistic:
“We’ll have a team that competes and picks up more points. But it’s not about promises — it’s about progress and performance.”
He also praised Barry Ferguson for his role as interim head coach and expressed excitement about working with the staff already at the club.
“This squad has players with different capacities and backgrounds. I’ve always managed to create teams with identity, and I’ll give players a chance to show a better version of themselves.”
Our View: Support Cautiously, But Support
Here at Ibrox Insider, we’ve been outspoken about our concerns around Russell Martin. But after hearing him speak, it’s clear he understands the magnitude of the job and the demand that comes with it. He doesn’t hide from the pressure. In fact, he seems to welcome it.
He’s got a massive job on his hands — not just winning games, but winning over the fans. But if he brings the clarity, courage, and culture he talks about, maybe this can work.
This is just the beginning. Pre-season starts soon, the transfer window is opening, and the Champions League qualifiers are around the corner. We’ll be covering every step — right here at Ibrox Insider.
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