Scottish Premiership

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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.New Rangers boss Russell MartinCredit: GettyFormer Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti was a contenderCredit: GettySteven Gerrard was favourite at one point but dropped out of the runningCredit: PASunSport 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.Read more football 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.Most read in Football”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.Robert Grieve & Bill Leckie have the very latest on the Rangers manager situation as Steven Gerrard & Russell Martin emerge as front-runnersWe 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.Read More on The SunMore to follow…Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

RUSSELL MARTIN is ‘closing in’ on being named the new Rangers manager, it’s being claimed. SunSport was first to tell you back on February 28 – the day Philippe Clement was axed – that Martin was a serious contender to replace him.Russell Martin during his time at SouthamptonCredit: ReutersRussell Martin, RangersCredit: Willie Vass – The Sun GlasgowSince then the likes of Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti have both been heavily linked with the role.But we told you at the start of the week how Martin remained a major contender for the role, and was set to meet with Rangers chiefs to make a fresh pitch to become Ibrox boss.But now the 39-year-old, a former Gers player, has emerged as the new frontrunner for the Gers hotseat, after interest from Leicester City came to nothing.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports this lunchtime that the former Southampton, Norwich and MK Dons boss has ‘accepted the project’ and the Gers are closing in on his signature.He wrote: “Rangers are closing in on the appointment of Russell Martin as new head coach. “Former Southampton manager has already accepted the project, ready for new chapter.”New sporting director Kevin Thelwell said only yesterday how Rangers are closing in on a new manager.Thelwell, now officially started as the club’s new sporting director yesterday, insists an appointment is close.Most read in FootballHe said: “Top of the priority list will be the appointment of a new head coach for our men’s team.”That search has been progressing well and the club and I look forward to bringing that to a conclusion in the coming days.”Roger Hannah and Robert Grieve debate if Davide Ancelotti or Russell Martin should be the next Rangers manager in the Coffee ClubMeanwhile, Ibrox CEO Patrick Stewart says Gers aim to be a force for good in Scottish football.Stewart is standing for election onto the SPFL board on June 24.His appointment is likely to go through, with a number of other Ibrox figures taking up key positions with the league and SFA.Under the previous regime, Gers were often critical of the running of the game. Now Stewart insists the club must continue to shine a spotlight on big issues – and vowed to engage in ‘constructive’ boardroom talks.He said: “Rangers is committed to being a force for good in Scottish football.”That means not only contributing ideas and energy to help the game grow, but also playing our part in asking the right questions and helping raise standards.Read More on The Sun”These appointments and nomination demonstrate the club’s determination to play a full and constructive part in Scottish football’s decision-making and to ensure Rangers’ voice is heard on matters of importance.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More