Russell Martin to Become Rangers Manager? | Advanced Talks at Ibrox Explained | NEWSDRIFT

Is Russell Martin the next Rangers FC manager? In this video, we dive deep into the latest reports that Russell Martin, former Southampton, Swansea, and MK Dons boss, is in advanced talks with Rangers Football Club to become their new head coach. With his possession-based style and experience in English football, Martin could bring a fresh tactical approach to Ibrox.

We cover:

Russell Martin’s managerial history

His playing connection with Rangers

The impact of Kevin Thelwell and the new American ownership

The £20 million transfer budget

His personal philosophy and off-the-pitch initiatives

Stay tuned for all the latest updates on Rangers’ new manager search and what Russell Martin could bring to the Scottish Premiership.

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Rangers FC, Russell Martin, Rangers New Manager, Russell Martin Rangers, Scottish Premiership, Ibrox, Rangers Transfer News, Kevin Thelwell, Southampton FC, Swansea City, Football News 2025, Rangers Manager Rumors

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Russell Martin, a name that’s gaining serious momentum in Scottish football circles once again, is reportedly in advanced talks with Rangers Football Club to take over as their new head coach. After weeks of speculation, it appears the former Southampton, Swansea, and MK Dons boss is now the front-runner for the high-profile job at Ibrox. And if sources are to be believed, Martin has already accepted the Rangers project and is ready to take the reins.

At 39 years old, Russell Martin is no stranger to Scottish football. He previously played as a defender for Rangers, making this potential return a homecoming of sorts. But this time, he won’t be lacing up his boots—he’ll be leading from the dugout, possibly tasked with turning around the fortunes of one of Scotland’s most storied clubs.

Martin’s coaching journey has been a fascinating one. Known for his commitment to possession-based football, his philosophy is deeply influenced by Pep Guardiola’s style. This wasn’t just theory—it was on full display during his time at MK Dons, where his team once completed a stunning 56-pass move leading to a goal. It’s clear Martin believes in playing football the right way: building from the back, controlling the tempo, and dominating possession.

His time at Swansea City saw him refine this philosophy, but it was his spell at Southampton that truly put him on the radar for bigger roles. Although he led Southampton to Premier League promotion via the playoffs, his journey at the top flight was rocky. He managed only one win in 16 Premier League matches, which eventually led to his dismissal in December 2024. Still, many saw Southampton’s issues as more systemic than managerial, and Martin’s stock remained high among clubs looking for a modern, forward-thinking coach.

Now, with Rangers undergoing major structural changes under new American ownership, the club sees Martin as a fitting choice to lead this new chapter. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell is spearheading the recruitment process and has made it clear that finalizing a manager is his top priority. With preseason training set to resume on June twenty-third, time is of the essence. The shortlist reportedly includes just two serious candidates: Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti, son of the legendary Carlo Ancelotti.

Martin’s edge in this race might come down to his clear alignment with Rangers’ long-term vision. Reports suggest he’s already bought into the project and is eager to begin working with the squad. He will also reportedly have a transfer budget of around twenty million pounds to reshape the team in his image—significant backing by Scottish standards.

But Russell Martin isn’t just a coach. He’s also known for his unique personal life and values. A committed vegan and practicing Buddhist, Martin turned to this lifestyle after battling ulcerative colitis. He often credits his recovery and clarity of mind to his dietary and spiritual choices. His off-the-pitch efforts are equally commendable—he founded the Russell Martin Foundation, a community initiative focused on supporting youth through education and sport.

The idea of Martin returning to Rangers as a manager, leading the club into a new era with a modern, tactical approach, is an exciting prospect for fans. While questions remain—particularly about whether his style will succeed in the rough-and-tumble world of Scottish Premiership football—his track record suggests he’s up for the challenge.

If the deal goes through, this could mark the beginning of a very different Rangers—one shaped by a young, ambitious coach with a clear footballing identity and a personal story that resonates far beyond the pitch. Whether Martin will be the man to bring trophies back to Ibrox remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure—the Scottish football landscape is about to get very interesting.