RANGERS have appointed former Southampton boss Russell Martin as their new manager.
The 39-year-old has ended months of speculation about the vacancy by accepting the job at Ibrox.
SunSport were first to tell you back on February 22 – the day Philippe Clement was sacked – that Martin was a serious contender.
Since then a number of names were linked with the position, including former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.
But it is ex-Light Blues defender Martin who has made the most convincing pitch to the new American owners at Ibrox to land the job.
Inititially joining Martin in Glasgow will be Assistant Head Coach Matt Gill and Performance Coach Rhys Owen.
He said: “It is a privilege to be named Head Coach of Rangers Football Club at the beginning of this exciting new chapter.
“I know what this club demands. From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history. 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.
“We want to play with bravery, to take the ball, to be aggressive, and to stand up in the big moments.
“Preparations for pre-season are already underway. I look forward to meeting the players and building a squad that our fans can believe in.”
Martin’s name never seemed to go away even despite links with Leicester City.
We told you at the start of last week that Martin remained a serious contender and was set for talks to make a fresh pitch for the position.
Ancelotti, son of legendary father Carlo, made it clear that Rangers was his preferred choice but a decision had to be made quickly.
That was before it was announced that the new US consortium, chairman Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, would take control of the club last Friday.
New sporting director Kevin Thelwell said only on Monday how Rangers are closing in on a new manager.
And Martin who had a loan spell at Ibrox seven years ago has emerged from the pack of candidates.
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart 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.
“This appointment is about building a winning team and a strong culture. He is no stranger to our club, we expect success and Russell knows that. We are excited for his leadership.”
Rangers Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell added: “Through the many conversations Patrick and I have had with Russell in recent weeks, he has emerged as the outstanding candidate.
“Russell comes to Rangers with hard-earned experience. His time in the Premier League has sharpened his approach, both tactically and personally. He’s better for it, and we believe that will translate into the kind of leadership and performance our supporters expect.
He guided Southampton into the Premier League with a play-off win over Leeds United at Wembley a year ago.
But the Saints dropped straight back down after failing to recover from a disastrous start with one win in 16 games, which cost Martin his job.
More to follow…
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