Leaderboard

As it appeared Russell Martin was going to be appointed I removed myself for a couple of days to contemplate the reality of where we are at. Let's face it we were dangerously near to being in big trouble as a club financially and possibly in a state of terminal decline. I welcome the takeover as a last chance saloon. They have made it clear the investment won't be off the scale and there is no short term fix to building the club back up again and I appreciate that and accept that. In that context is Russell Martin the level of manager we can afford? I supect that most of the names that were bandied about were above the level of our affordability. We've hired decent managers in Gio and Clement and been unable to provide them with the tools to do their best job. The mismanagement of the board is well document in that respect. Similarly Russell Martin will rise or fall largely on the quality of players we bring in which in turn will depend on finally getting rid of the no hopers we currently have and how much we get for them. I will get behind their efforts. My hopes for this season are to get through the CL qualifiers (for the money) and to see improvement on the park and signs of real progress. Anything short of the League will be a massive red flag all round. My realism didn't last too long.

Here we go, Coady, Vardy, Pearce at left back, Ray Parlour in midfield, Waddle on the wing. Its coming home! Thelwell and Purdy doing a great job.

And I think that's why we need to change our mindset as a support. We always want a manager silver bullet, one single man who will fix all our problems. Football just doesn't work like that anymore. There are no Walters, or Alex Fergusons. In theory, pretty much any manager we bring in, as long as they match the vision and ideas of the football operations team should be able to lead us to success. Its a bit like the 'Why are Bayern hiring Kompany' thing.

The (over)reaction by a large group of fans since Wednesday just reinforces the idea that we've been a club stuck in the 90's. Give the guy a chance FFS. He's the first manager since we've came back up that's going to have owners with a vision and the proper structures around him.

I really don't think it matters. I hope there are more leaders brought into the club. and there are quite a few who take the responsibility of leadership, which is much more important than who the club captain is. If Tav remains at the club then I don't care if he still stays as captain, but I do hope that we bring a better right back in.

Had some time to sleep and calm a bit. Still think this tweet is nonsense. Still think it's an absolutely horrific appointment but it is what it is. Folk will love the exciting pass out pish but guess moaning on an Internet isn't going to change a thing and I wish him of course the very best, I ain't going to hope he loses ffs. Just still can't quite fathom what they see. But mabie he proves me wrong, and il eat humble pie soon.

Reminds me of

If we had waited a few more days we could have had Ange, he’s left Spurs.

I don’t know if I should cry or not 🤣 my son has been up since 2am singing Make us dream - Follow-Follow. This usually happens at least twice a month. On the positive side of things his speech is coming on slowly but surely. We can’t have it all I suppose 💪🏻🔴⚪️🔵NS WATP

I think the reaction from the support has been alarming, especially given the roaring horses arse that's been made over the last few years with our choices. Would I have wanted RM? Probably not. Would I have wanted Ancelotti? Definitely not. Would I have wanted Gerrard? Maybe. At the end of the day, that would appear to have been the choice. The fact that Gerrard appears to have pulled from the race suggests that there will not be the same power base with the manager that he enjoyed and maybe that didn't work for him. We have cried out for a manager that does not treat the likes of Dundee like Real Madrid and who wants to press his opponents hard. That seems to be RM's modus operandi. He could have his very own Mojo moment if he tans the filth in the first OF game. If we have a decent transfer window, this may well yet be a good season. Give him a chance FFS. I'd define his first seasons success requirements as a cup, a real title challenge and EL Groups (and last 16) at a minimum.

Low Block!

No...let's worry about his accent and baldy heed.

I don't think any of us can argue / disagree with this ; "We've been second for a long time, obviously 55 aside, and if we don't change something we're going to continue finishing second." Patrick Stewart believes Rangers must change their culture if they are to change their fortunes.

Postucoglu wouldn’t have come here if asked, but if he had been let go before Russell Martin was put in post, and if had been willing, would we have had him? As much as it pains me to say it I think he was one of the most impressive managers to have come to the Scottish game at least in recent years. His style of football was very positive and, in Scotland at least, and more recently in Europe, successful, and of course his connections allowed him to bring in really good players from the likes of Japan. Such a shame his Scottish success was with them. Imagine if he’d come to us instead, the last couple years I think would have been very different. Personally, I wouldn’t have wanted him here after his connection with them, but it just makes me more convinced we have missed a trick, twice now, in not appointing Kevin Muscat as our manager, who similarly had connections far afield and an impressive track record.

“the slopes of dear old Ibrox”. You would have to be middle aged now to have stood on them.

Brilliant - hopefully belting out Rangers songs will continue to help the wee man's speech. Here's another one to teach him for his next 2:00AM concert 😃 https://youtu.be/l7Ce714tvWU?si=lSxrIfQnxs5Ee9wy

I'd like Kasanwijro back.

Martin is not an exciting appointment. We don't have a choice just now. I think he is too candid when speaking to the press. This may, or may not, come back to haunt him later. Despite that he did say some things I liked. For example his emphasis on work ethic. I think it's best, now, to leave him to get on with it.

Old players and good memories ... Weir aside, I've rarely seen a better goal scored (ability-wise) than the one of Jermaine Defoe against Livingston, with that long ball by Tavernier from the half-way line being converted with a delightful touch past the keeper.

I was thinking the same about my own posts recently concerning the takeover/manager, but it is how I feel about it.

Would be interesting to know how much say he'll have on the signings. Edit - just listened to the press conference. Sounds like he'll have a say but not necessarily initially identifying players.

We've just had question after question at the press conference about how the recruitment works with a DoF and Head Coach and the first comments here afterwards are, 'I wonder what contacts he has?' ...

Irrelevant but thanks for confirming.

Seems the leaks were bang on this year. Not a fan of the away strip, but starting to sound like a moaning twat so I'm going back in my box.

No surprise to hear the new manager speak well and strongly communicate his ideas to the supporters. Only time will tell if he can build a squad that can carry out his instructions to deliver the success we all expect. Recruitment now such a vital part of this process.

Vulcan persuasion with those ears...

Hope the borg get him.

I was ridiculed for suggesting this btw....i'm in .👍

I think they're after Frank.

Surley it can only be the gormless baldy one. Can tell he's going to real fun

Didn't have channel 5 on ma bingo card @Rousseau

There must be discussions between DoF and Head Coach, surely. They don’t operate in separate units sealed off from one another.

You asked me to compare 1 signing from 2007 mate. It's 2025 this year, and i had heard all the buzz how we will be into progressing players. Not topping up pensions. I fully agree. We need to really strengthen the x2 CB, but just disagree a 32 yr from Leicester fits that bill. Mabie my expectations are just simply too high.

I'm not sure it's a fair comment. We've never had a coach rather than a manager before, and we seem to have a more hand-on DoF. The club is obviously significantly changing the way that we do things and the support will take time to understand how it's now going to work going forward. The press conference answer suggested that the coach will have a 'yay or nay' on the signings but it's unclear how involved in the initial identification of targets he'll be.

The Scotsman whipped up a (lazy) list of possible Martin / Rangers / DoF / whomever targets ... (for entertainment only) 1. Harry Darling - Swansea City (freebie) Perhaps the most obvious signing for Russell Martin is the appointment due to his history with the centre-back. Out of contract at the Welsh club, he's been signed by him at both MK Dons and Swansea City, and fits Martin's style of play perfectly. The 39-year-old head coach has said Darling "possesses all the attributes you need to play at the very top, in my opinion", while the defender himself has given his former boss praise, stating that he "loves working with him." 2. Ryan Manning - Southampton (contract till 2027) The left-back is seen as an ideal fit for Martin’s possession-based system, and has an uncertain future at Southampton following their relegation, Twice signed by Martin at St Mary's and Swansea City, Manning had 15 goal involvements during Southampton's promotion-winning 2023/24 campaign. His familiarity with Martin's tactics could see him become a target for Rangers. 3. Ross Stewart - Southampton (contract till 2028) Linked to Rangers in the past, the 6ft 5in Scotland international has endured a nightmare spell with injuries in the last couple of seasons, but appears to be on the mend after featuring in the final eight games of the season for Saints. Martin is thought to be a huge fan of the striker, shelling out £8million to bring him to St Mary's in the summer of 2023. Depending on the plans of new Southampton head coach Will Still, the ex-Sunderland hitman could come into Martin's thinking. 4. Cameron Archer - Southampton (contract till 2028) The ex-Aston Villa academy starlet cost Southampton a reported fee of £15million when he signed in 2024, but he struggled for regular game time at St Mary's last year following the departure of Martin. Linked with a loan move to Leeds United in January, Archer is another who has spoken highly of Martin's management style, saying he "was one of the main reasons" he joined Southampton last summer, adding that his playing style, coaching and ability to improve him as a player as the key factors behind his decision to move. Archer is someone Martin could target. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/latest-rangers-news/10-players-rangers-could-look-to-sign-now-russell-martin-is-confirmed-as-new-manager-at-ibrox-5160713 5. Aleksa Terzic - Red Bull Salzburg (contract till 2028) With Ridvan Yilmaz's future uncertain at Rangers, the club may look for reinforcements in the full-back positions. While he hasn't been directly linked with a move to Ibrox, his attacking output and ability to invert into midfield would suit the tactical flexibility Martin looks for in his squad. Thought to be available at around £3million, the 25-year-old Serbian would offer excellent value. Alexa? 6. Nathan Wood - Southampton (contract till 2028) Martin worked with Wood at both Swansea and Southampton, where the young defender thrived in a possession-based system. With Rangers needing depth at centre-back due to the departure of Leon Balogun, Wood’s versatility and ball-playing ability align perfectly. He played just 11 times for the Saints last year, meaning a loan or permanent move is viable should Wood be considered surplus to requirements by new head coach Will Still. 7. Jamie Vardy - Free agent Already linked to Rangers this summer, the ex-Leicester City goalscorer fits into Martin's system due to his ability to exploit spaces against deep-lying defences. His teams often like to create chances through sustained possession, and Vardy's high-pressing aligns with Martin's philosophy. However, his wages could prove an issue. 8. Andy Fisher - Swansea City Another player that Martin has signed twice, the Swansea goalkeeper may come into the manager's thinking now he's been handed the reigns at Ibrox. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, he fits the style of play the 39-year-old head coach likes to adopt. Fisher is also a big fan of Martin, once saying: "I took a big wage cut to go and play for him at MK Dons because I believed in everything he did and the way he played.” Spent the second-half of last season on loan at St Johnstone, and could provide competition for Jack Butland and Liam Kelly at a low cost. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/latest-rangers-news/10-players-rangers-could-look-to-sign-now-russell-martin-is-confirmed-as-new-manager-at-ibrox-5160713?page=2 9. Jason Steele - Brighton (contract till 2026) While not explicitly linked to Rangers, the experienced English goalkeeper has many of the traits that Martin likes in a goalkeeper - and could be available this summer. Renowned for his ball-playing ability, he had a 90% pass completion rate in the 2023/24 Premier League season, ranking among the best for goalkeepers in distribution. He fell behind Bart Verbruggen last season though, and may have his eye on a move that could guarantee him regular football this summer. He has just one year remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium. 10. Joe Aribo - Southampton (contract till 2026) A title winner with Rangers in 2021, the Nigerian midfielder was a big hit at Ibrox before departing to sign for Southampton for a reported fee of £6million. Played under Martin for 18 months, with the Scottish head coach fond of Aribo's versatility. While it would be a surprise move, there's reason to believe Martin could hold an interest if he is appointed, due to his familiarity with the high-pressing, possession-based system. He was praised for his “energy and technical ability” by Martin during his time on the south coast. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/rangers/latest-rangers-news/10-players-rangers-could-look-to-sign-now-russell-martin-is-confirmed-as-new-manager-at-ibrox-5160713?page=3 EPL/Championship players with contracts till 2028 😁

Isn't irrelevant, quite the opposite. When Walter Smith took over from PLG the first thing he done was sign 2 x strong experienced CBs and, hey presto, we suddenly stopped losing goals. Fast forward to Clement / BF, our biggest issue was conceding goals. Maybe just me that sees a pattern there and maybe just me that thinks that the best way to solve is to sign 2 x strong experienced CBs. I'd love to hear your suggestions.

FTFY

Yeah, Propper had some good games in Europe. More his style of play than the rough and tumble of the SPL. 1.2 million euros apparently. I thought we could have got more, but he's 31 now, so maybe it's not too bad. Good lock to him in the future.

Little clip from MK Dons, looks hands on manager and not just passing to his trusty lieutenants, looks to take the lead in which we have been craving for an identity. Also the fact the EPL or whatever it’s called when he secured Southampton up in his first season is regarded as one of the hardest to gain promotion with.

At last, some sanity amid the madness.

To make things worse he keeps tossing his hair around to flaunt his follicle virility to us baldies...

Forgive me if I dont watch the clips and footage of him talking a good game. Our last 2 managers both talked a very good game, but we are looking for victories on the park, not talk, and this guy's CV is littered with losses and draws. His football philosophy might be cool and trendy, but his teams have achieved diddly squat. I read most of @Rousseau's comments throughout this thread about his style etc but the one thing that really frightened me is his goals against record which is frankly bloody awful, even in the season he fluked promotion in the playoffs with the 2nd biggest budget and came 4th his GA was over 1.5pg. His teams goals scored record for all this philosophical and tactical mastery isnt very impressive either. The comments from fans of his previous teams say he cant beat a low block and has no plan B, well groundhog day springs to mind. I have never watched any of his teams play so I have no pros or cons from live action so I am purely looking at his record in management and what I have read on here, and I am pretty depressed that this is the level we are now at. At least Ancelotti would have been a blank canvas in terms of record as he hasnt got one, but has coached at a very high level, certainly higher than RM, although if these 2 are all our people could find interested then we really are in the grubber. I feel the same way about this as I did about Beale and Pedro, scared stiff, but I felt the same when McLeish got the job and he done a great job for a few years so that only proves that I know nothing and to wait it out to see with my own eyes how he gets our team to play. If he can change the game when things arent going right and find a way to beat the low block consistently then he will do fine. We move on to recruitment of players, and while I probably wont even have heard of most of the guys we bring in (but i'm sure @Rousseau will fill us in quickly!), but it has to be a very high number to have any chance of success. Good luck to RM, I am desperate for him to do well. I can vent negative thoughts on here, but it will be 100% backing at the games.

Christ, we're commenting on the guys dress sense now. Desperate and sad.

I'm not going to respond to the negative posts - you've made up your mind and are entitled to it. I'm delighted with the appointment of Russell Martin. He was one of the names I posted at the very start of this thread. Finally! A coach that has a track record of implementing a progressive, attacking style of play without needing top class players to see results (i.e. MK Dons, Swansea), while developing players. He has demonstrated impressive leadership qualities throughout his career, and has shown in his coaching career how he can manage a squad transition (he managed the turnover of 18 players at the beginning of his Swansea term, and similar at So'ton). He overcame a difficult home environment to make it as a solid player - he himself has always said he was a crap player - and has been thinking about and developing his coaching skills and philosophy since he was a teenager. Even if he turns out to be the guy before the guy, I think he will lay the foundations of a modern playing style and culture for years to come.

What/who were some fans wanting? We've been an absolute bombscare of a club on and off the field for the majority of the last 12/13 years. No manager with a huge reputation would come near us. We need to take a risk. I'm not thrilled but I'm not dead against it either. If I'm honest, I'm a wee bit excited. New manager/head coach whatever. New era.

We only need 1 plan - it's whats brought Celtic so.much success over the last 15 years. It's simple - over run SPL jobbers, do that and you've got a great chance of winning the league. Its what SGs team did during 55. It's not rocket science

He's off to a good start. Keeps rosary beads in his back pocket Hired his wee pal as head of recruitment Hired a green party member and vegan as manager Bring back that wee James Bond baddie Wilson. All is forgiven.