Scottish Premiership heavyweights Rangers have announced former Southampton boss Russell Martin as their permanent head coach on a three-year deal, Afrosport reports.
The 39-year-old was previously in charge of the Saints, leading them to Premier League promotion from the Championship for the 2024-25 season but was dismissed last December as the south coast oufit sat bottom of the table, a position they never left and ultimately saw them return to the English second tier.
Russel returns to the club he played for during the 2017-18 season, making 17 competitive appearances, on loan from Norwich City, and takes over from Barry Ferguson, who led on an interim basis after the dismissal of Philippe Clement.
“Rangers Football Club is delighted to confirm the appointment of Russell Martin as Head Coach of our men’s first team on a three-year deal,” read a statement on the club website.
Russell, speaking on his new appointment, said: “It is a privilege to be named Head Coach of Rangers Football Club at the beginning of this exciting new chapter.
“I know what this club demands. From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history. Now, as I return, I’m determined to bring success back, for the supporters, the players, and everyone inside this club.
“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.
“Preparations for pre-season are already underway. I look forward to meeting the players and building a squad that our fans can believe in.”
✍️ Our new Head Coach, Russell Martin. pic.twitter.com/rgL9Qx0UOX
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 5, 2025
Rangers finished second in last season’s Premiership, 17 points behind fierce rivals Celtic, while they finished runners-up to the same opponents in the Scottish League Cup.
