Rangers’ 101-day search to appoint a new head coach has come to end after the Ibrox hierarchy announced the arrival of Russell Martin as the club’s new manager.
The 39-year-old is no stranger to Rangers, having had a short stint at the club on loan from Norwich City in 2017, though it is his reputation as one of the country’s most promising young coaches that has landed him a return to Ibrox.
While some Rangers fans have met the appointment with trepidation, you don’t have to look far to find players who have played under him at Southampton, MK Dons and Swansea City to discuss some encouraging comments about Martin’s management style and ability to get the best out of his team.
Here, The Scotsman looks through ten of the best quotes from former players and teammates about the new Rangers head coach.
5. Angus Gunn - Former Norwich City teammate
"He was a really good leader as a captain. He’s quite an intellectual guy, and you could see that in the dressing room. He built good relationships with everyone." | Matt McNulty Photo: Matt McNulty
6. Adam Lallana - played under Martin at Southampton
"Russell’s got this ability to make you feel part of something bigger. His sessions are intense, but he’s always clear about what he wants, and he cares about you as a person, not just a player. That’s why we fight for him." | Michael Steele Photo: Michael Steele
7. Taylor Harwood-Bellis - played under Martin at Southampton
"We're doing things that are working if you watch the game back - actually watch it, not just as a fan, but football-wise and tactically in terms of what we should be doing... It's not (insane to play out the back), there's just times to do it. I'm a fan of a club - I know what fans want. It's going to be scary when we're playing the ball around the back, of course." | Getty Images
8. Joel Piroe - played under Russell Martin at Swansea City
"He’s very clear in what he wants from us. The way we train, the way we play, it’s all about keeping the ball and building from the back. It’s not always easy, but he gives us the tools to make it work, and you can see the results when it clicks." | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images