AliousRussell Martin the Real Deal for Rangers – Why Experience Trumps Ancelotti’s Hype in Ibrox Rebuild.
As Rangers gear up for a fresh era under the 49ers Enterprises’ ownership, their search for a long-term manager is intensifying. With interim coach Barry Ferguson unlikely to remain in charge beyond this season, attention has turned to several high-profile candidates.
Among them is Real Madrid assistant and son of legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti, 35-year-old Davide Ancelotti. While his name carries weight, critics argue he lacks the experience to lead a club of Rangers’ stature, having never managed independently and always working under his father’s guidance.
In contrast, former Rangers loanee and ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin has quietly built a solid managerial résumé. The 39-year-old has amassed over five years in the dugout, leading Southampton to Premier League promotion before his exit in late 2024. His record includes 252 games in charge, with 101 wins and a goal difference nearly balanced—proving he can steer clubs through both highs and lows.
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness believes Martin is a far more suitable candidate for Rangers than Ancelotti Jr. Speaking on Football Insider’s *Inside Track* podcast, Wyness argued that the Glasgow giants need a seasoned leader who’s endured the rigors of top-level management—not a novice cutting his teeth at one of the UK’s most demanding clubs.
“Russell Martin knows the grind,” said Wyness. “He’s handled tough spells and also delivered success. Rangers need someone resilient, not someone still learning the ropes. Davide Ancelotti may have the name, but not the readiness. He’d likely buckle under the pressure.”
As Rangers also face budget constraints due to UEFA’s Financial Fair Play regulations, Football Insider reports that the club may be forced to offload key assets like Hamza Igamane to fund summer recruitment. In that context, hiring a manager with proven value-building and development experience—like Martin—could be key to stabilizing and progressing the club sustainably.
The managerial choice at Ibrox will shape the next phase of Rangers’ ambitions, and all signs point to Russell Martin as a candidate ready for the challenge—experience, grit, and all.
Alious
