Russell Martin as Rangers manager WON'T go down well with fans says Ibrox hero (2025)

Martin has been touted as a potential candidate for the Ibrox hot seat in the summer

Russell Martin would not be a popular managerial appointment with Rangers fans - and if it becomes a two-horse race with Barry Ferguson for the Ibrox hot seat, then the current interim boss should be handed the reins on a full-time basis.

That's the view of Ferguson's older brother and fellow Light Blues favourite Derek Ferguson, who believes that the hierarchy in Govan will be looking for a much bigger name to stand on the touchline next season.

Interim boss Ferguson admitted after Thursday night's Europa League exit to Athletic Bilbao that he does not know whether he will be appointed as Philippe Clement's successor, with his full focus on delivering a strong end to the season despite their no longer being any silverware on the line.

But he was adamant that the club need to make a decision quickly and Martin - who spent the second half of the 2017/18 season on loan at Rangers - has been touted as a potential candidate to take on the role.

The former Scotland international lost his job with Premier League side Southampton in December just six months after leading the Saints back into the top-flight through the Championship play-offs.

Martin's previously caught the eye with his exciting brand of football at Swansea City but Ferguson reckons that the ex defender's unwillingness to adapt his style of play won't appeal to the 49ers Enterprises consortium, who are poised to complete their takeover of Rangers.

He told Ibrox News: "Truthy, I don’t think the Rangers fans would fancy that.

"Between the two (Barry Ferguson and Martin), I’m sure they’d rather stick with Barry right now.

"Martin’s style of football is good, but he wasn’t winning games at Southampton and perhaps had chances to change it up.

"He was too intent on playing the same way.

"It’s not a criticism of him, but if Rangers are going to appoint a manager, they’ll be looking at a bigger name.

"The fans are not all that bothered by nice football, it’s winning football, so they’ll be looking for a bigger name if they do make a new appointment."

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