As their search to replace Philippe Clement on a permanent basis continues, one candidate has now issued his first response on taking the Rangers job when the summer arrives.
Rangers still searching for Clement replacement
In a season to forget, those at Ibrox decided that it was one defeat too many for Clement against St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership and instantly turned towards Barry Ferguson to take interim charge. Since then, results on the pitch have remained inconsistent in the Scottish Premiership, but hopeful on the European front – defeating Fenerbahce 3-1 in their Europa League last 16 first-leg.
In the background, meanwhile, Rangers’ managerial search has continued with several names already threatening to steal the headlines. The likes of Steven Gerrard have even been mentioned over a return, whilst Rafa Benitez has also been linked with the vacant job in what would be quite the appointment.
Of course, Celtic have enjoyed great success since welcoming the return of Brendan Rodgers, who has earned redemption after causing plenty of heartbreak by leaving in his last stint. Now, Rangers could repeat that genius by handing Gerrard a similar opportunity at Ibrox.
If it’s not to be Gerrard or Benitez, however, then it could be a former Premier League manager who has already had his say on replacing Clement in Scotland this summer.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Russell Martin responded about taking the Rangers job when the summer arrives, saying on Monday Night Football: “I think I am realistic. I don’t think I will get another Premier League chance right now. I think like most managers that come up from the Championship – ‘not quite good enough for the Premier League’.
“It’s maybe unfair on the managers that get there at times, because you are there with a squad that has been so successful the year before but isn’t quite ready for the Premier League.
“There is only two managers that have been taken out of the Championship for a long time – Nathan Jones and Graham Potter. The others have to get there and try and stay there and really get success.
“I really don’t know (where is next). I am open to working abroad, in England again – I want to work back in the Premier League now I have got a taste of it. I want to get back there and I believe I can, so we will just have to wait and see.”
Hiring Martin would be a gamble for Rangers
When compared to names such as Benitez and Gerrard, Martin represents a risk that Rangers must deliberate over when the summer arrives. The former Premier League manager failed to hit the heights at Southampton in the top flight and was sacked after earning just five points.
Remaining stubborn over his style proved a costly decision for the attacking 4-3-3 manager and that’s something that Rangers must look at themselves. The Saints weren’t set up to play Martin’s risky possession-based approach, so the Gers must ultimately question whether the squad that Clement left behind would be better suited on that front.
As the summer approaches, there’s no doubt that those in charge at Ibrox have a major decision to make, whether that results in the arrival of Martin to replace Clement or not.