Rangers appoint new boss Russell Martin on three-year contract
RANGERS HAVE CONFIRMED the appointment of Russell Martin as the club's new head coach.
The 39-year-old former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton boss has signed a three-year contract.
He will be joined at Ibrox by assistant head coach Matt Gill and performance coach Rhys Owen.
Martin guided Southampton to promotion to the Premier League last year but was sacked in December following one win from their first 16 games.
Advertisement
Rangers finished last season under the caretaker management of former captain Barry Ferguson, having dismissed Philippe Clement in February.
✍️ We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Russell Martin as Head Coach of our men's first team on a three-year deal.
Full Details ⬇️ — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) June 5, 2025
Ex-Scotland defender Martin, who had a short loan spell as a player at Rangers in 2018, is tasked with wrestling power back from the other side of Glasgow after Celtic's stranglehold on Scottish football continued with a 13th William Hill Premiership title in 14 seasons.
'From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history,' he told the club's website.
'Now, as I return, I'm determined to bring success back, for the supporters, the players, and everyone inside this club.
'There's a lot to be done, but the goal is clear: win matches, win trophies and give Rangers fans a team that they can be proud of.'
Martin's arrival is the latest in a series of major changes at the club.
An American consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises secured a majority shareholding on Friday, while new sporting director Kevin Thelwell officially began work on Monday.
Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart, who led the recruitment process alongside Thelwell, said: 'Our criteria for our next coach were clear: we wanted a coach who will excel in terms of how we want to play, improve our culture, develop our squad, and ultimately win matches. Russell was the standout candidate.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
32 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Darwin Nunez ‘open' to Napoli switch, Chelsea ‘enter' race for PSG star, Pogba ‘AGREES' new deal
THE thrills and spills of the summer transfer window are well underway with some huge deals in the pipeline. Chelsea has entered negotiations for And Follow ALL the latest news, moves and completed deals with our live blog below... By Rodrigo transfer war Fulham are hoping to price Leeds out of a move for striker Rodrigo. The newly-promoted Premier League side have already had a £26million move — plus £6m of add-ons – rejected by the Cottagers. But SunSport understands that Leeds are preparing to come back with an improved offer to test the West Londoners' resolve. Fulham though are desperate to hang on to the 24-year-old Brazilian and although his contract expires next June have an option to extend for a further 12 months. Copy link Copied By Tottenham not so keen on Semenyo Tottenham launched an enquiry for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo before immediately halting their pursuit. According to the Cherries over a move for Semenyo. The same source claims Bournemouth told Tottenham to pay £70million for the winger. The mind-blowing fee was immediately rebuffed by the North Londoners, who have decided to not pursue a deal for now. Copy link Copied By Thomas Partey 'rejected' Atletico Madrid have turned down the opportunity to re-sign Arsenal ace Thomas Partey. Partey is set to become a free agent on June 30 as he and the Gunners have yet to agree on a new deal. Earlier this month, the North Londoners announced that discussions over a new contract were ongoing and a statement would be released once a final decision had been made. According to Copy link Copied By Viktor Gyokeres stats Here's all the info Arsenal and Manchester United fans need to know about their top striker target Viktor Gyokeres. More below: Copy link Copied By Kudus changes agents - EXCLUSIVE Mohammed Kudus has signed with renowned sports management firm ROOF as speculation over a potential move away from West Ham continues to gather pace. Kudus joins the agency's high-profile roster ahead of what is shaping up to be a very busy summer for the 24-year-old. The playmaker has already been linked with Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, while Newcastle are also said to be considering a player-swap deal that could tempt the Hammers into negotiations. Last year, the Ghana international parted ways with agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch, who negotiated his move from Ajax to West Ham and briefly put a family member in charge of his affairs. However, Kudus has now decided that joining ROOF is the best step forward in what appears to be a clear indication of a possible departure this summer. The future of the former Ajax star could be decided as early as next month as he has a 10-day release clause that becomes active on July 1 and runs until July 10. Copy link Copied By How good is Ekitike? Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike has been linked with Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea after a sensational season. Ekitike amassed 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions. What really impressed Eintracht fans was how the striker replaced Omar Marmoush after his departure to Manchester City in January. And the Frenchman's stunning displays led to comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Copy link Copied By Scott McTominay target Former Manchester United ace Scott McTominay is a reported mega-money target for Saudi giants Al-Hilal. McTominay is wanted in the Middle East after firing Napoli to their fourth Serie A title last month. According to The Saudi giants' new manager Simone Inzaghi sees the midfielder fitting into a dynamic trio alongside ex-Wolves star Ruben Neves and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Al-Hilal are already said to have made an enquiry to the Italian champions over a big-mony deal. But manager Antonio Conte views the Scotland international as an unsellable player. Copy link Copied By Tete's Fulham rejection - EXCLUSIVE Kenny Tete snubbed a new three-year contract at Fulham to sign for Everton. The former Dutch international, 29, is set to move to the Merseysiders as a free agent on a deal until 2028. Many Cottagers fans have been left disappointed to see the right-back depart after impressing during his five-year stay in West London. Fulham tried to keep him with their new deal offer, despite Tete being the club's highest cost per minute due to injury over the last couple of seasons. But he has opted to switch to join David Moyes' revolution at the Toffees. Everton have been in need of a new right-back with Ashley Young, who turns 40 in July, leaving the club when his terms expire this month after two years at the club. Moyes confirmed in May that fellow veteran right-back Seamus Coleman will be staying put though, adding: "I need him here." Copy link Copied By Chelsea open for Jackson sale Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Nicolas Jackson in the summer transfer window. Jackson could find himself down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the recent arrival of Liam Delap from Ipswich. Juventus and Napoli are both said to be keen on a move for the striker. The Senegal international enjoyed a decent season in front of goal, scoring 13 goals in all competitions last term. Copy link Copied By Marc Guehi transfer preference Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is prepared to turn down joining Arsenal this summer, which has put Liverpool on high alert to swoop. Guehi wants regular first-team football and assurances from manager Mikel Arteta that he will get it at the Emirates But William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes would almost certainly start ahead of the 24-year-old if he was to move to north London. With the Reds selling Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen the club are on the lookout for a centre-back and sources say they are eyeing Guehi. The England international does not want to be sitting on the bench with the World Cup coming up next summer and the Merseysiders could be the perfect fit. Arsenal have just tied Gabriel down to a new contract running until 2029, while the club's top brass are also keen to extend Saliba's stay at the Emirates. Copy link Copied By Palace shares sale John Textor has agreed to sell his Crystal Palace shares in a bid to end their Europa League limbo. American billionaire and New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has agreed to become Palace's largest shareholder by snapping up Textor's 43 per cent stake in a £190million deal. Palace's place in the Europa League next season has been under threat due to Textor's ownership of Lyon, who have also qualified. The American's role across both clubs could have been a breach of Uefa rules and Palace were expecting a ruling on Friday. But Textor's sale, which is subject to approval by the Premier League, should clear the path for Palace to play in Europe. Johnson, 78, will have the same 25 per cent voting share alongside Steve Parish, Joshua Harris and David Blitzer. Copy link Copied By Paul Pogba details Former Manchester United star Paul Pogba is set to return to football after reportedly agreeing a two-year deal with Monaco. Pogba has been without a team after agreeing the mutual termination of his contract at Juventus in November following his 18-month doping ban. The midfielder was slapped with an initial four-year ban for taking banned substance DHEA last year, but saw that punishment slashed after a successful appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport. The France international has been able to return to football since March following the end of his ban. Now it looks like the 32-year-old has hinted at his return after he posted photos of himself training alongside the cryptic caption: "I think it's time". According to Le Parisien, the Frenchman will pen a two-year deal with Monaco ahead of the new campaign. Copy link Copied By Chelsea target Kolo Muani Chelsea have entered talks with Paris Saint-Germain to sign Randal Kolo Muani this summer. According to L'Equipe, the Blues have contacted PSG regarding a swoop for Kolo Muani. The forward still has three years remaining on his contract, with the reigning European champions keen to get him off the wage bill. The France international remains on loan with Juventus at the Club World Cup. Copy link Copied By Pogba-ck Paul Pogba has dropped a massive hint on his future. The French midfielder, 32, is still without a team after agreeing the mutual termination of his contract at Juventus in November following his 18-month doping ban. But he has now reportedly agreed terms with his next club. Copy link Copied By Not a keeper Chelsea have backed away from a deal for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Blues boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly happy with his goalkeeping options moving forward And Fabrizio Romano reports Maignan is now off Chelsea's radar. Copy link Copied By Ko go go Ko Itakura is reportedly available this summer - putting Tottenham on alert. Spurs have been tracking the Monchengladbach star for the past 18 months. GiveMeSport claim Itakura could be available for just £12m as he enters the final year of his contract. Copy link Copied By Gordon to Liverpool? Anthony Gordon would prefer a move to Liverpool over Arsenal, reports claim. The reigning Premier League champions have been linked with a £100m move for the Newcastle winger, who used to play for Everton. Transfer insider Graeme Bailey claims Gordon will probably end up at Liverpool "one day". But he believes it is "unlikely" to be this summer, with Chelsea and the Gunners also interested. Copy link Copied By Pole position Wojciech Szczesny will remain at Barcelona next season. The veteran keeper came out of retirement last year to sign on at the Nou Camp. And club president Deco confirmed: "Wojciech Szczesny will sign a new deal and stay with us next season." Copy link Copied By Marc future Marc Guehi will reportedly not sign a new Crystal Palace contract this summer. The England centre-back captained the club to its first-ever major honour last season, but is now set to depart with Liverpool and Newcastle interested. Guehi is hoping to confirm a significant role at the 2026 World Cup. Copy link Copied By Ell of a signing Harvey Elliott looks set to leave Liverpool this summer - with Brighton among the clubs interested in his signature. Florian Wirtz's arrival on Merseyside has pushed the England under-21 star further down the pecking order. Elliot wants regular football, with Brighton reportedly ready to bid £40m. Copy link Copied By Future is Bright Brighton have made a £20m offer for Flamengo full-back Wesley Franca. Flamengo - who are currently playing in the Club World Cup - are willing to sell the player, according to The Telegraph. The 21-year-old has been at the Brazilian side since he was 17 and has also been eyed by Manchester City. Copy link Copied By Special move Jose Mourinho is reportedly targeting a move for Jadon Sancho. The Special One wants to bring the winger to Fenerbache, according to Turkish transfer guru Yagiz Sabuncuoglu. Napoli and Juventus are also interested in Sancho, who has returned to Man Utd after an unsuccessful loan with Chelsea. Copy link Copied By Ramsdale linked with Prem exit Aaron Ramsdale is a surprise target for Turkish giants Galatasaray. The Southampton keeper, 27, has a £20million relegation release clause in his contract having joined from Arsenal last summer. Ramsdale is expected to leave St Mary's this summer but a loan away while the club seek promotion back to the Premier League has not been ruled out. Southampton do not have a pressing need to raise funds through large sales this summer meaning they would be open to allowing Ramsdale to leave on loan. The former Arsenal and Bournemouth keeper earns around £100,000-a-week on the south coast and wants to play for a top flight club to boost his England chances. Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel recently stated he would want his first-choice goalkeeper playing European football. Saints still have veteran keeper Alex McCarthy while Gavin Bazunu remains on their books, although his loan to Standard Liege this season was cut short after a knee injury. West Ham hold some interest in Ramsdale but have also considered Chelsea pair Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic, while they also need to sell before buying. Copy link Copied By Arsenal open to Martinelli sale Arsenal are eager to lower their wage bill and could look to flog several players in the summer transfer window. That could include Gariel Martinelli, who is being targeted by Bayern Munich. According to That includes Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson, Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga. Copy link Copied By Potential Tete replacement Fulham boss Marco Silva is weighing up whether to move for free agent Kyle Walker-Peters as a replacement for Kenny Tete, who is going to Everton.. Walker-Peters, 28, will be available on a free at the end of the month after spending five years at Southampton. West Ham have considered the Saints full-back, but do not view the former Tottenham man as a key target at this stage. Copy link Copied 1 …
The Irish Sun
32 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Liam Delap ready to bring even MORE aggression to Chelsea front line after wild Nicolas Jackson red card
LIAM DELAP chose Rocky's hometown as the place to declare himself ready to rumble at Chelsea. Their 5 Liam Delap is ready to show his aggression in a Chelsea shirt Credit: Getty 5 Striker rival Nicolas Jackson was sent off for a reckless challenge at the Club World Cup Credit: Getty And he sits down on a comfy chair in the luxurious Jean-Groges restaurant on the 60th floor of downtown Philly's sumptuous Four Seasons hotel, looking immaculate in a box-fresh club tracksuit. But No player was booked more times than him last season with A dozen yellow cards as he walked the line for a team fighting for survival in the Premier League relegation zone. As many cautions as goals. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS He is bringing that to his new club and has already shown glimpses of the aggression which is in his DNA. Refusing to cower to defenders, claiming a classy assist on his debut, throwing a football at the bowed head of Flamengo midfielder It's not boxing. It's not beanie-hatted Sly Stallone throwing right hooks into hanging slabs of cow in the meatpacking district, but it is the kind of centre forward fans love. And Delap is ready to deliver. He said: 'Yeah, I love those battles. I always have since I was a kid. I really love the aggressive side of it and the competitive nature of the squad. It's got to be controlled at times but it's my game ultimately and I enjoy it. Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 'I've always had that same edge as a kid and I'm not going to change the way my mindset is. You've just got to make sure you're on the right side of the edge. 'I played every sport in school. Anything that could get me out of a lesson. I just enjoyed the competitive nature of it, whether it was rugby or rounders. BBC pundit names England's long-term successor to Harry Kane after Premier League star's 'bullying' performance 5 5 'Last season was my first playing in the Premier League, playing with VAR so it's something that I'm going to have to get used to and work my way around to try and get less yellow cards. 'But it's not something I'm worried about. I think I can control my emotions when I need to. Maybe I'm a little bit old school but it is the way I play and I don't want to change it.' Juggling the actions of leading the line and getting into trouble is a difficult balancing act. Delap has been signed to put pressure on current Chelsea striker You could argue that they are two of a kind. Delap played a large part of last season with broken ribs to valiantly battle away for Ipswich when they were on the ropes. Centre forwards win people over by getting stuck in. Jackson was sent off four minutes after coming on in Friday's disastrous 3-1 defeat by Flamengo for Delap said: 'Everyone playing football plays close to the edge a little bit. You have to be aggressive, on the front foot all the time. 5 'I was right in front of it when it happened. It was so unlucky. He has obviously not meant to do it. These things happen in football and I am sure he will get over it. 'With the size of the club there's always going to be competition and I think players thrive off that competition. You're going to work that little bit harder and try to compete. 'It's Chelsea, it's going to be tough and it's going to be competitive. And that's what you relish.' Delap, 22, harbours ambitions to win big with his new club. He fits the club model of promising young player with plenty of potential. He has signed a six year contract and opted for the Club World Cup rather than Euro 2025 with England Under-21s as he looks to bed in. There's history with Chelsea head coach Delap said: 'I've got a good relationship with the manager. I know how he plays. I've played in his system before. 'I know a lot of the players here and the project of the club, how they see the future. That's what excited me. 'We've got a good core of English boys here. I've spent a lot of time with them. I obviously know a few people here already so I've been spending time with them. 'I've known Cole since I was 15, playing at City with him. I've got a good relationship with him so it was nice to see a familiar face. 'I had my sights set on the Euros all season and I was really looking forward to that. But I signed here and they wanted me to be here. I want to be here as well. I need to get to know everyone so that's why I'm here.' Ipswich turned to famous superfan Ed Sheeran to persuade Delap to sign for them last summer and leave behind 'I think he was heavily involved with Ipswich so it was nice to speak to him. 'It was just a token that Ed was really involved in Ipswich and a lot of people were close to him.' Chelsea had the simple magnetism of Champions League football - which means a bigger spotlight on him now. Delap said: 'I am just here to play football. I don't look at everything from the outside. I am at a big club now but my mind is strong enough to not let it affect me. 'It is hard to ignore at times but it is just how you take it and you can brush it aside and stay confident. 'I'm really excited. One of the reasons I started playing football was to play in the Champions League.' Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge
The 42
38 minutes ago
- The 42
Crystal Palace's European prospects improve after major shareholder sells stake
CRYSTAL PALACE'S HOPES of playing in Europe next season appear to have been boosted after shareholder John Textor sold his stake in the club. Textor's shares in Palace threatened to be an obstacle to their participation in the Europa League next season because the American is also a shareholder in French side Lyon, who are set to enter the same competition. It looked as though Palace would miss out due to the same Uefa multi-club ownership rules that cost Drogheda United their place in the Europa Conference League. Advertisement However, it's understood that Textor's 45% stake in the London club has now been sold to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. Reports have placed the price between €187 million and €222m (£160-£190m). The sale is subject to Premier League approval, but may now free Palace up to play in the Europa League. The Eagles qualified thanks to their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last month. Textor, who through his Eagle Football Holdings group also owns a significant stake in Brazilian side Botafogo, initially invested in Palace in 2021. Palace declined to comment. Eagle Football Holdings and Uefa have both been approached for comment. It's understood a decision regarding Palace's participation is expected from Uefa before the end of June.
