Rangers Managerial Search: Russell Martin Emerges as Frontrunner
The search for a new Rangers manager has taken a significant turn, with Russell Martin emerging as the frontrunner for the job. According to sources, Martin has interviewed impressively and given the board “an awful lot to think about”.
The BBC has learned that Martin’s chances of becoming the new Rangers manager have increased significantly over the past 24 hours, with bookmakers now making him the slight favourite. This comes after a week in which Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo Ancelotti, was seen as the leading candidate. Ancelotti has worked as a coach under his father at several top clubs, including Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid.
However, Martin’s credentials should not be underestimated. The 29-year-old has managed MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton, taking the latter to the Premier League via the play-offs last season. Martin’s coaching style is driven by his admiration for the possession football of Barcelona, Manchester City, and Spain.
In contrast, Ancelotti has had a relatively safe and stable upbringing in the world of football. As the son of a legendary manager, he has had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the game. However, Martin’s backstory is far more turbulent. In an interview with the Sunday Times in November 2023, Martin spoke powerfully about the domestic violence he experienced in his youth, and how it affected his family.
“I look back at stuff that I found normal as a kid and now realise it was not normal,” Martin said. The BBC understands that Martin’s experiences have shaped his approach to the game and his desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
The Rangers board, including new chairman Andrew Cavenagh, vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, are understood to be considering several candidates for the job. Other names that have been mentioned include Brian Priske, the former Feyenoord manager, and Francesco Farioli, previously of Ajax. However, according to sources close to the decision-making process, Steven Gerrard was never considered the frontrunner that many made him out to be.
The board is believed to be taking a close look at Martin’s track record and his ability to implement his style of football at Ibrox. As the BBC reported earlier this week, the new regime at Rangers, led by Cavenagh and Marathe, is keen to make a statement appointment. An announcement on the new manager is expected next week, with some sources suggesting it could come as early as Monday.
The decision will be crucial for the future of the club, and the board will be under pressure to get it right. With Martin and Ancelotti emerging as the two leading candidates, the question is which one will get the nod? According to the BBC’s source, “the mystique and mystery of Ancelotti or the more experienced management and known track record of Martin? They cannot afford to get it wrong.”
This article is based on reporting by the BBC’s sports correspondent. The original article can be found at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cx2jp5xp0njo.
Source link
