Russell Martin, newly appointed as Rangers’ head coach, is preparing for a pivotal summer as he seeks to reshape the squad ahead of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers in late July. With the club’s recent acquisition by the American-led 49ers Enterprises consortium, Martin is tasked with revitalizing Rangers and challenging Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football.
Martin has expressed a desire to be “surprised” by the current squad, indicating that while he anticipates bringing in “one or two” new signings before the Champions League campaign begins, he is open to existing players stepping up to meet the club’s standards. He emphasized the importance of assessing the current roster before making extensive changes, acknowledging the complexities of the transfer market.
The new head coach is committed to implementing an aggressive, possession-based playing style, aiming to instill a winning mentality within the team. He has brought in long-time assistant Matt Gill to support this vision, continuing a partnership that has developed talents like Todd Cantwell during their time at Norwich.
Despite some skepticism from fans due to his brief and less impactful playing stint at Rangers in 2018, Martin is determined to earn their support through dedication and results. He acknowledges the club’s high expectations and is focused on building a squad that embodies bravery and competitiveness.
With the backing of the new ownership, which has pledged £20 million for squad improvements, Martin is poised to lead Rangers into a new era, aiming for both domestic success and a strong showing in European competitions.