Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS next Rangers manager

Cameron Smith

3 Jun 2025 14:00 BST
4 min read

Rangers are reportedly close to appointing former Southampton boss Russell Martin as their new manager following the sacking of Philippe Clement in February.

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The Scottish giants have been linked with a number of head coaches over the past few weeks, after deciding against offering Barry Ferguson the job on a permanent basis, and Martin has now emerged as the leading candidate.

Davide Ancelotti, the son of Carlo, has been touted as a legitimate option amid his pursuit of his first full-time manager role, while Danny Rohl, Rob Edwards and Gary O’Neil are reportedly also under consideration.

However, Rangers are “closing in” on appointing Martin as their new head coach, according to Fabrizio Romano and Sky Sports News, with the 39-year-old having already accepted the club’s proposal.

Martin made 17 appearances for Rangers during a short four-month loan spell as a player back in 2018 and he is now on the verge of returning to Ibrox as the club’s new manager.

© IMAGO - Russell Martin was sacked by Southampton in December

Russell Martin to be appointed as the next Rangers manager

Following his retirement from playing, Martin was appointed as the new MK Dons head coach in November 2019 and he enjoyed an encouraging 18-month spell at the club before joining Swansea City in 2021.

After guiding the club to a 15th place finish during his debut campaign, Martin’s side finished 10th the following year and Southampton appointed him as Nathan Jones’ permanent replacement ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

He achieved promotion back to the Premier League in his first season at St Mary’s, although Martin was sacked in December after losing 13 of the first 16 league matches of the season.

He will be tasked with ending Celtic’s recent dominance in Scotland, with Rangers’ arch-rivals winning 13 of the past 14 top flight titles.

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