Godwin ObajeThe Rangers Rebuild Begins: Russell Martin to Lead Ruthless Ibrox Overhaul
Russell Martin and Kevin Thelwell have barely unpacked at Ibrox, but the real work starts now. Tasked with rebuilding a Rangers squad that has dramatically underperformed in recent years, the new manager and sporting director are preparing to make sweeping changes to a bloated group of 27 first-team players. Only four names are reportedly safe – the rest face a precarious wait to learn their fate.
It marks the beginning of a bold new era under American ownership, with Martin at the helm of a club in dire need of identity and purpose. He arrives with a reputation for progressive football and calm leadership, but the challenge ahead of him is immense. With Celtic again dominating domestically and European progress stagnating, Martin and Thelwell are expected to act decisively.
They’ve had the squad list in front of them for days – possibly weeks – and have likely read it “a hundred times by now.” The message from the Ibrox hierarchy is clear: results must change, the mentality must shift, and mediocrity will no longer be tolerated.
Ruthless Judgement
Martin’s first order of business is trimming a Rangers squad that has become unwieldy and unbalanced. Many of the current crop have failed to live up to expectations, and the new manager has no intention of wasting time on sentiment.
With only four players currently considered guaranteed to stay, that leaves 23 facing uncertainty. Martin and Thelwell know they’ll be judged not only on who they bring in this summer but also on who they move on.
There’s an acceptance that this is no longer a time for cautious reshuffling – it’s a full-scale rebuild. That overhaul will not come cheaply or without difficult decisions, but Rangers’ American backers are prepared to invest. Reports suggest up to £20million could be available this summer, and Martin knows how crucial it is to spend wisely.
“Little Time to Cast Judgement”
The process of evaluating the squad is already well underway, and the pressure to act swiftly is immense. Pre-season looms, and with Champions League qualifiers on the horizon, Martin can’t afford to dither.
“They’re assessing the current crop of stars and they’ve got little time to cast judgement,” a source close to the situation said.
Thelwell’s role will be vital. The former Wolves and Everton man has been brought in specifically to reshape the club’s recruitment model – something that has drawn heavy criticism in recent seasons. With Thelwell’s strategic oversight and Martin’s clear footballing philosophy, Rangers now have a structure in place that fans will hope finally bears fruit.
Targets Identified
While exits are inevitable, attention has already turned to potential arrivals. Among those linked are England international Conor Coady and Israeli forward Dor Turgeman – the latter seen as one of the most exciting young attacking talents in Europe.
Both would signal a statement of intent. Coady, with Premier League and international experience, would bring leadership and defensive stability, while Turgeman represents the kind of youthful flair that has been sorely lacking.
The idea is not just to refresh the squad but to reset the culture. Martin is determined to build a group of players who buy into his methods and understand the weight of responsibility that comes with pulling on the blue shirt.
The Shadow of Clement
Martin’s appointment comes after the turbulent reign of Philippe Clement, who failed to wrestle the league title from Celtic and departed under a cloud. In recent comments, the Belgian appeared to shift blame, claiming the board “listened to fans too much” and suggesting internal division undermined his position.
Martin will be wary of falling into the same trap. But if anything, his quiet confidence and the structured backing of Thelwell could be exactly what Rangers need to steady the ship.
What’s clear is that the club cannot afford another false dawn.
An Act of Integrity
If there were any doubts about Martin’s character, stories from his time at Norwich help paint a clearer picture. When frozen out by Daniel Farke, he didn’t sulk or stir trouble – he quietly mentored younger players and continued training with full commitment. That same calm dignity could now serve him well as he leads one of Scottish football’s most high-pressure jobs.
He has already delivered a strong message to the dressing room. In his first interviews since taking the role, Martin emphasised accountability and unity. And in a telling comment, he hinted at the emotional pull of returning to Scottish football.
“There’s a hurt here,” he said. “People want to put it right. That’s something I can work with.”
He also revealed his agent was initially hesitant about the role, concerned by the intensity of the spotlight. But Martin was clear – he sees something worth building at Ibrox.
Money Talks – But Only With Meaning
There’s no sugar-coating it: closing the gap to Celtic will take both time and investment. But Martin knows better than to lean on budgets alone. He’s already spoken of how much of the reported £20million war chest he believes is truly necessary – the implication being that smart, strategic buys could matter more than headline-grabbing splurges.
This summer won’t be about quantity but quality. The days of signing six or seven players each window in the hope that a few click are over. Rangers want players with pedigree, personality, and a willingness to embrace the club’s expectations.
The Verdict
Rangers’ fans have been through enough upheaval to know that words are cheap. What matters now is action. Martin and Thelwell have a mountain to climb, but there’s a cautious optimism that – finally – a structure is in place to take Rangers forward.
For the current squad, the message could not be clearer. Perform, or perish.
Martin will give everyone a chance – but only once. After that, he will be ruthless. And as the cull begins, only a handful can be certain of their place in his plans.
The rest, quite simply, face oblivion.
Godwin Obaje
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