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Russell Martin in line for SHOCK job after Rangers sacking
Tom Weber
- Updated: 30 Dec 2025 16:16 GMT
- 4 min read
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Former Rangers boss Russell Martin is among the favourites for the vacant Columbus Crew job following Wilfried Nancy's departure for Celtic.
The 39-year-old was sacked by the Ibrox club in October after a disastrous four months in charge. Martin was an unpopular figure with the fanbase from the start, and his exit was widely celebrated by Rangers fans.
It was a chastening experience for Martin and a second sacking in quick succession following his dismissal from Southampton last season. After leaving Glasgow, he was briefly linked with a return to Norwich City when Liam Manning was sacked.
However, Canaries ultimately appointed another ex-Gers boss in Philippe Clement. Martin remains without a job heading into 2026, but this could be about to change.
According to The Athletic, Martin is surprisingly among the favourites for the Columbus Crew head coaching position, which has been vacant since Wilfried Nancy joined Rangers' arch-rivals Celtic.
Martin heading to MLS?
Martin's arrival in Major League Soccer would be in keeping with the recent trend of hiring young British coaches. 48-year-old Phil Neville has been with the Portland Timbers since 2023.
Last year, Minnesota United appointed Man Utd assistant Eric Ramsay, who was 32 at the time of his arrival. Earlier this month, the Colorado Rapids announced the successful poaching of 37-year-old Matt Wells from Thomas Frank's coaching staff at Tottenham.
Although Martin has been unable to have success with his possession-heavy approach since gaining promotion to the Premier League with Southampton, there is a belief that he could be a strong stylistic fit for the Crew after three mostly successful seasons under Nancy.
Nevertheless, there would also be significant pressure on the 39-year-old if he were to take the job because the Crew have been one of the most decorated teams in MLS over the past half-decade.
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