Rangers have officially confirmed the departure of first-team coach Issame Charai, as the club begins a new chapter under Head Coach Russell Martin.
Charai arrived at Ibrox in January 2024 to assist then-manager Philippe Clement and remained part of the coaching setup during Barry Ferguson’s interim spell. His departure has now been agreed mutually following Martin’s recent appointment.
A Short But Respected Spell at Ibrox
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart paid tribute to Charai’s professionalism and contribution during a turbulent period for the club, highlighting his support of Barry Ferguson and his role in helping steady the ship in recent months.
Through the managerial transition in February and beyond, he handled himself superbly and was a real asset to Barry and his staff.
As the men’s first-team moves forth into this new era under Russell, it has been agreed between the club and Issame for him to move on… he will always be welcome back at Ibrox.
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart
Charai also issued a statement thanking the Rangers fans and club staff for their support during his time in Glasgow.
This is a really special club, We had some high moments and some low moments, but [the supporters’] support was the constant. It is something I will always remember and be forever grateful for.
Issame Charai quote as he departs Rangers.
Ibrox Insider Opinion: A Strange Appointment from the Start
This always felt like a strange appointment.
Charai was brought in at a time when the Clement era was visibly unravelling, with fans counting down the weeks until change. His arrival didn’t feel like it matched the moment — and when Philippe Clement and the rest of his backroom team exited, Charai remained. That alone made many of us feel this was more of a club-driven appointment than a manager’s choice.
Then came Barry Ferguson’s short spell with the ‘three bears’ — Dodds, McCann, and McGregor — and yet still Charai continued. That only added to the impression that his role was an internal decision rather than part of any coaching vision.
Now, at the end of Russell Martin’s first week in the job, Charai is out. While it’s no shock that Martin wants to bring in his own people, the whole way this has unfolded feels odd.
There’s nothing particularly glorious about how this one played out. Charai seems to have been caught in the middle of managerial transitions and poor timing — a victim of circumstances more than anything else. He conducted himself with class throughout, and we sincerely hope he was taken care of properly as he departs the club.
Maurice Ross in the Frame?
Charai’s departure opens the door for new additions to Russell Martin’s coaching team — and, as reported yesterday on Ibrox Insider, former Rangers defender Maurice Ross is set to be interviewed for a role next week.
Ross, who has a close coaching relationship with Martin from their time at MK Dons, could bring a blend of modern training methods and a deep understanding of Rangers’ expectations. His arrival would mark another step toward Martin establishing a coaching group fully aligned with his footballing philosophy.
Maurice Ross – The Next Addition to Russell Martin’s Rangers Revolution?
More changes are likely to follow in the coming days as the rebuild continues both on and off the pitch.
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