It has been suggested that Rangers have targeted Swansea City’s Russell Martin as a replacement for Steven Gerrard.
That is the story from John Cross of the Daily Mirror, claiming that contact has already been made with the 35-year old who had an underwhelming period on loan at Ibrox as a player in 2018, in the season prior to the arrival of current boss, Gerrard.
As is well documented, the Scottish Premiership winner appears to be a long way down the road in terms of his Ibrox exit with confirmation expected to follow on Aston Villa’s new appointment possibly as early as tomorrow.
The early report from the Mirror stated:
“Rangers are targeting Swansea boss Russell Martin as their next manager.”
“And that is a clear indication they expect Steven Gerrard to accept Aston Villa ’s offer to become their new manager and they have now begun their search for a successor.”
“The Glasgow giants have already made enquiries about former Scotland defender Martin who also had a loan spell at Rangers where the connection may have been made.”
EXCLUSIVE Rangers identify Steven Gerrard replacement in clearest indication of Aston Villa switch | @johncrossmirrorhttps://t.co/7zVVb38ncw pic.twitter.com/294vKBI3ua
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) November 10, 2021
If and when that happens plenty of names will be linked with a move to Glasgow but it is fair to say that Martin is not one to capture the imagination of the supporters, as can be seen by some of the responses on Twitter, below:
@robleghorn – “Did Russell Martin write this?”
@euaaann – “Don’t you dare Rangers”
@rossco_bear – “Let the craziness of the next few weeks begin”
@1872Jake – “That’s enough Twitter for the night man, am away”
@reissfesrguson – “It’s acually not as bad as I thought tbh”
@Good1Aye – “Good joke!!
@nosteviesouness – “I’m NOT feeling it!”
Unlikely
At this early stage, would Rangers potential candidates be known to the press? That’s seems very unlikely given what we know already of Ross Wilson and his previous dealings and whilst the former Scotland defender has started off well in the dugout for MK Dons and now continuing to impress with his methods at Swansea, it just doesn’t add-up.
His time will come for a bigger job if he continues to climb but at this stage – the pressure, expectations and demands of the role at Ibrox would surely be too much, as well as a lack of experience.
Now yes, Gerrard was a first-time boss but with him comes an aura and a strong back-up team of coaches.
As for Martin, put us down as very doubtful.