adminFirst Rangers Departure of the Summer ‘Close’ as Russell Martin Begins Ibrox Overhaul
The winds of change are already blowing through Ibrox as new Rangers boss Russell Martin prepares for his first major departure from the coaching staff. Issame Charai, who was retained from the previous regime, looks set to leave just months after arriving in Glasgow — with a managerial offer in his native Belgium reportedly on the table.
This development comes amid an ambitious rebuild under the stewardship of Martin, the former Southampton and Swansea boss, who is shaping his own coaching team and strategy as part of the club’s new era. Backed by the recent American takeover led by the San Francisco 49ers ownership group, the Ibrox club has already begun making sweeping changes behind the scenes — with Charai’s future now a key talking point.
Charai’s Exit Edging Closer
Charai only joined Rangers in January under Philippe Clement, brought in as part of the Belgian’s backroom setup. Despite Clement’s exit and the temporary appointment of Barry Ferguson, Charai remained in position and continued to serve in a coaching capacity following Martin’s arrival.
However, reports from Belgium now suggest that Charai could be on the verge of returning to his homeland, this time as a head coach. Belgian media outlet DH reports that Charai is the leading candidate to take over at Pro League club KVC Westerlo. Current manager Timmy Simons is expected to part ways with the club, and Charai has emerged as the favourite to replace him.
While the deal is not yet official, DH suggests that an agreement between Westerlo and Charai is “close,” and that the Moroccan-born coach is eager for the opportunity to take charge. Having previously coached Morocco’s U23 side and held roles within Belgian football — including stints at Mechelen and St-Trond as a player — Charai would bring a wealth of experience and familiarity to Westerlo.
His potential departure marks what could be the first of several changes within the Rangers coaching structure as Martin implements his own philosophy and vision at the club.
Martin’s Overhaul Gathers Pace
Russell Martin wasted little time in addressing the club’s structural needs upon his appointment, hinting that the backroom staff would be subject to review. Speaking recently, Martin confirmed that his long-time assistant Matt Gill would be joining him in Glasgow, along with physical performance expert Rhys Owen.
“Matt Gill’s coming. He’s been my assistant manager all the way through, and he brings technical expertise as a coach,” Martin said. “He played a huge role in developing a lot of players at Norwich, having worked with the U21s. When I was winding down my playing days at Norwich, I saw first-hand how much care he had for the players and how well respected he was.”
Martin praised Gill’s influence in the development of young stars such as Max Aarons and Todd Cantwell — the latter now a Rangers player — and described the balance their personalities bring to the table. “We’re very different — he’s calm and introverted, I’m more extroverted. It’s a good dynamic.”
Joining Gill is Rhys Owen, who Martin described as a “really aligned” fitness expert with a deep understanding of the club’s intended playing style.
“Rhys is a physical performance coach, first and foremost, and will work with our sports science and medical departments,” said Martin. “He’s also a great technical coach, so he offers a lot. He’ll help us assess the current setup and bridge the gap between departments.”
With those two key additions, Martin has made it clear he intends to evaluate the existing staff — which likely includes Charai — and determine whether further changes are necessary. That process, he said, would take place over the coming weeks.
“We’ve got some brilliant people inside the building,” Martin added. “But we’ll assess things together, then decide if we need to add to the staff and in what areas.”
Charai’s Short but Impactful Ibrox Tenure
Despite his relatively short stay in Glasgow, Charai’s time at Ibrox has been eventful. Initially part of Philippe Clement’s backroom setup, Charai offered a different perspective thanks to his international experience with Morocco’s U23 side — helping develop players capable of operating at both club and international levels.
He was the only member of Clement’s staff to continue following the manager’s departure, staying on during Barry Ferguson’s interim stewardship and the transition into Martin’s era. That retention suggested Rangers valued his expertise, but the current reshuffle may mean his chapter in Govan is coming to an end.
Should he be confirmed as Westerlo’s new manager, it would mark Charai’s first significant role in Belgian top-flight management — and a return to the country where he made his name as both a player and a youth coach.
A New Dawn at Ibrox
Rangers are undergoing a significant transformation under the new leadership of the San Francisco 49ers group, who assumed control earlier this year. The fresh injection of ideas, structure, and capital is expected to help Rangers close the gap with Celtic and reassert their dominance domestically and in Europe.
Martin’s arrival is symbolic of that change. A coach known for his possession-based, attacking football, Martin has a clear vision and is already bringing in staff aligned with that ethos. His signings on and off the pitch will be watched closely in the coming weeks as pre-season approaches.
If Charai’s exit is confirmed, it will signal not just a coaching departure, but a further shift toward Martin’s identity becoming firmly embedded at Ibrox. With more decisions likely on the horizon, the coming summer could be one of the most transformative in recent Rangers history.
What’s Next?
While Charai’s fate appears to be heading toward a Belgian return, Rangers’ focus remains firmly on building a squad and staff capable of challenging for silverware. With new coaches in place and more changes likely to follow, Russell Martin is making it clear that he intends to take full control of the club’s direction.
Expect further coaching and squad movements in the weeks ahead, as Rangers prepare for a new season — and a new chapter — under a revitalised structure both on the pitch and behind the scenes.
Godwin Obaje
