Russell Martin insists he knows “what this club demands” after signing a three-year contract to become Rangers’ new head coach at the start of a fresh era at Ibrox.
The former Southampton and Swansea City boss emerged as the leading candidate from a recruitment process that reportedly also included former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard.
A US-based consortium, led by Andrew Cavenagh and including the investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, completed a takeover of the club last week.
And one of their first major appointments is 39-year-old former Scotland defender Martin, who spent time at Ibrox on loan as a player.
“From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history,” he said. “As I return, I’m determined to bring success back.
“I’m here to set standards, work hard and do my very best to earn the respect of the Rangers fans.
“There’s a lot to be done, but the goal is clear: win matches, win trophies and give Rangers fans a team that they can be proud of.
“We want to play with bravery, to take the ball, to be aggressive, and to stand up in the big moments.”
Martin’s role is as head coach rather than manager – in keeping with Rangers’ new set up with former sporting director Kevin Thelwell now in post alongside his former Everton colleague, Dan Purdy, as technical director.
He will be joined at Rangers by assistant Matt Gill and performance coach Rhys Owen. No further additions to the coaching staff have yet been confirmed.
Martin is expected to speak to the media later on Thursday.
Why have Rangers picked Martin?
Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart, who led the head coach search along with Thelwell, said Martin was the “standout candidate”.
The Ibrox club spoke to former Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti and former Feyenoord manager Brian Priske, while former manager Gerrard and ex-Ajax head coach Francesco Farioli were among those also linked with the post.
“Our criteria were clear: we wanted a coach who will excel in terms of how we want to play, improve our culture, develop our squad, and ultimately win matches,” Stewart said.
“This appointment is about building a winning team and a strong culture. He is no stranger to our club, we expect success and Russell knows that. We are excited for his leadership.”
Thelwell suggested Martin’s time in the Premier League “has sharpened his approach, both tactically and personally”.
Giving an insight into what a Rangers team under Martin will be like, he added: “His teams play dominant football, they control the ball, dictate the tempo and impose themselves physically. They press aggressively and work relentlessly off the ball.
“These are all characteristics that we believe are required to be successful at home, away and abroad.”
[BBC]