Russell Martin faces a baptism of fire at Rangers
When Russell Martin was appointed as the new manager of Rangers on June 5, its fair to say a vast section of the Ibrox support were underwhelmed.
Martin’s last role was at Southampton, where he was sacked in December 2024 with the club sitting bottom of the Premier League table.
Stints at MK Dons, Swansea City and on the south coast with the Saints was hardly a glamour filled CV. But taking a deeper dive into his style of play, the Ibrox side may have hit the jackpot on the former Scotland defender.
Indeed, his possession based, high tempo philosophy is exactly what Rangers are craving. Martin’s style was even lauded by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola last October, who said that Southampton “were really good” during their 1-0 loss.
Having cut his teeth in England, the managerial role at Rangers is his biggest challenge yet. The Light Blues were drawn against Panathinaikos in the Champions League second qualifying round, with the first leg taking place in just four weeks.
Martin faces a baptism of fire, but if he can get things right on and off the field over the next month, the 49ers’ decision to appoint him might just be justified.
Integrating a new style of play is crucial
So often under Philippe Clement last season, the Gers offered nothing going forward, especially in domestic matches.
Europe was a different story, but the club’s bread and butter is winning league titles, a feat they have achieved just once since 2011.
Martin wants his teams to not only control possession, but also to do things with the ball in the final third.
During the 2023/24 Championship season, Southampton not only led the league in average possession (66%), but they also recorded the most corners (341), shots on target per match (5.8) and averaged 597.8 accurate passes per game.
Not happy with passing teams to death, Martin wants to get his players into the penalty area as often as possible, evidenced by the fact Southampton took 1583 touches in the opposition box during their Championship promotion season.
Teething problems may occur when acclimatizing to this new style of play. Time is of the essence, however, especially with Martin’s first competitive game against Panathinaikos taking place on July 22.
Having a positive style is a solid start. Now he needs to sign players who are able to carry out this philosophy on the pitch.
Rangers are in the midst of their most important summer window in years
It might sound like hyperbole, but this transfer window is the arguably the most important in the club’s recent history.
On paper, the current squad isn’t good enough to qualify for the Champions League, yet alone compete in the competition proper.
Improvements are needed across the pitch, particularly in defence and on the flanks. Kwame Poku remains a target. The winger registered 20 goal contributions in League One for Peterborough last term.
Given the fact Ross McCausland is the only option on the right flank, strengthening is a priority. Defenders Conor Coady and Harry Darling have also been linked and the pair would be excellent signings.
Of course, signing high quality players is key, but Martin must look to retain his prized assets as best he can this summer.
Nico Raskin and Hamza Igamane were the two bright sparks of an otherwise dreary 2024/25 campaign. As such, interest in the duo has emerged from the Premier League.
Many see Rangers as a stepping stone, but unless an incredible offer arrives for either player, Martin must look to build Rangers’ new look squad around them.
The Light Blues will make a significant profit on both players in due course. For at least another season, however, they must remain at Ibrox.
Placing trust in youth
“If you’re good enough, you’re old enough” uttered Sir Matt Busby over 70 years ago. He should know, as his Manchester United dynasty was filled with plenty of young talent who only needed a chance to showcase their ability.
Rangers, on the other hand, have been at best, inconsistent, and at worse, dreadful, when it comes to rearing the talents of the future.
Nathan Patterson looked like he could be the future of the club, but even the right-back couldn’t usurp James Tavernier and was sold to Everton for £16m in 2022.
Bailey Rice has been hailed as one of the finest midfielders of his age group. Yet Clement started the teenager just once, hindering his development in the process.
He wasn’t the only one, with youngsters such as Robbie Fraser, Cole McKinnon, Findlay Curtis and Leon King all being neglected by the Dutchman.
Martin developed Taylor Harwood-Bellis into an England international and winger Tyler Dibling into a player who is now valued at nearly £100m by the Saints.
While Martin won’t be throwing in the likes of Rice and Curtis in the deep end, by giving them chances in the first-team, the pair will only improve.
The 39-year-old has spoken eloquently about the challenges he faces in his new role and has gone into detail about what he expects from his group of players.
A solid first impression, but Martin must now ensure the club are ready for their first major challenge when Panathinaikos come to town next month.
Prevail into the next round, and dare I say it, the Champions League league phase, then the manager will get the majority of supporters onside.
If he stumbles at the first hurdle? Well, the pressure will be on almost straight away.
Who’d want to be a Rangers manager?
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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