Russell Martin awaits Rangers phone call amid 49ers Enterprises takeover news

Rangers supporters have already been mulling over for some time who will occupy the dugout for the opening game of 2025-26.

Barry Ferguson was a sensible interim appointment following the inevitable sacking of Philippe Clement back in February, and it is likely the former Ibrox captain would have been considered for the permanent role under the current regime.

However, with the ambitious American consortium propped up by 49ers Enterprises now surely about to take over at Ibrox, they have their own list of candidates which is likely to see Ferguson miss out.

Russell Martin waiting on 49ers call to take over at Ibrox

Rangers are undergoing positive talks as 49ers, steered by Leeds United chief Paraag Marathe, look to seal the deal.

Once that has been finalised, a manager can be appointed – but until then, only a limited amount can be done.

Icelandic former Premier League defender Gretar Steinsson, now in a directorial role with 49ers, has been interviewing potential new Rangers bosses as reported by The Athletic earlier in the week (25 April).

According to Sunday’s print edition of The Sun (27 April, pg 53), Russell Martin is waiting on a call having been shortlisted by the incoming ownership group.

Martin has been out of work since his sacking by Southampton earlier this season, but has been considered by a number of clubs and is also wanted by Leicester City, who have joined Saints in relegation back to the Championship down south.

Rangers can compete again with Martin at the helm

Martin’s style of play divides opinion, having stuck religiously to a gameplan to play out from the back while at Southampton and eventually break the lines.

It came under huge scrutiny as Saints made countless errors in Premier League games, and fared no better under successor Ivan Juric – who has also since lost his job.