AliousScotland international Angus Gunn has strongly pushed back against growing skepticism surrounding Russell Martin’s potential appointment at Rangers, insisting fans shouldn’t dismiss the former Southampton boss based on a tough Premier League spell.
Martin, who is reportedly nearing the Ibrox hot seat following the sacking of Philippe Clement, finds himself under early scrutiny due to his ill-fated run with Southampton last season—where he managed just one win in his first 16 Premier League matches before being relieved of his duties. However, Gunn, who played with Martin during his final days as a Norwich City player and later faced his Southampton side in the Championship, believes judging Martin solely on that stint is unfair and short-sighted.
Speaking on the situation, Gunn said fans should not view Martin as “damaged goods” because the demands at a struggling Premier League club and a dominant outfit like Rangers are worlds apart. “Yes, I definitely think people should look beyond what happened at Southampton,” Gunn emphasized. “Managing a promoted side in the Premier League isn’t the same as leading a club like Rangers into Europe or competing for domestic titles. You can’t make that direct comparison.”
Gunn, who witnessed Martin’s leadership firsthand during his early days in professional football, praised his former captain as a thoughtful, forward-thinking figure who had all the traits of a future coach even during his playing days. “Russell was already coaching while still playing,” Gunn recalled. “He organized, mentored, and had strong relationships with everyone in the dressing room—even when he wasn’t a regular starter. You could tell he was preparing for a managerial path.”
He also defended Martin’s overall coaching résumé, pointing to his previous achievements in the Championship, where he helped both Swansea City and Southampton exceed expectations. “He took Swansea further than most expected and guided Southampton to promotion under immense pressure,” Gunn noted. “His Southampton side evolved during the season—from being overly open to becoming more measured and pragmatic. That shows he’s not some rigid tactician who refuses to adjust. Quite the opposite, actually.”
Gunn dismissed the notion that Martin is a one-dimensional coach, stating that his adaptability—especially visible in the Championship—is what sets him apart. “We played them twice: one match was a high-scoring thriller, the other a goalless stalemate. That kind of contrast reflects a coach willing to change, not one stuck in a single philosophy,” he explained.
While many Rangers fans have expressed concern over Martin’s top-flight record, Gunn insists the real test will be what Martin does once he’s officially in the role. “The only way to win the fans over is to come in and start strong,” Gunn admitted. “But I really believe he has what it takes. His time at Southampton was challenging, yes—but there were clear signs of quality.”
Gunn also pointed out the difficulty of succeeding with a club freshly relegated or recently promoted, where expectations are often sky-high and resources limited. “Coming down from the Premier League adds huge pressure—on the players and the coaching staff. But he managed to deliver and get results despite that,” he said.
Reflecting on Martin’s character, Gunn was emphatic: “He’s a very intellectual guy. When I was a young loanee at Norwich from Manchester City, he was someone I could always turn to. He supported me, even when he wasn’t playing, and his influence went beyond the pitch.”
Martin’s brief stint as a Rangers player may also help smooth his transition back to Glasgow, should the appointment go through. “He already knows the club a bit. That matters,” Gunn added. “I think he’d be a great fit. For Rangers, it could be the start of something really positive.”
With Gunn’s glowing endorsement, Martin’s critics may now have reason to reconsider. As the Ibrox club closes in on its next chapter, the focus will soon shift from speculation to results—and according to Gunn, Martin is more than ready.
**Headline:**
**‘Don’t Write Him Off’: Angus Gunn Defends Russell Martin Amid Rangers Doubts, Calls Ex-Captain a Tactical Thinker and Born Leader**
**Extensive Paraphrase:**
Scotland international Angus Gunn has strongly pushed back against growing skepticism surrounding Russell Martin’s potential appointment at Rangers, insisting fans shouldn’t dismiss the former Southampton boss based on a tough Premier League spell.
Martin, who is reportedly nearing the Ibrox hot seat following the sacking of Philippe Clement, finds himself under early scrutiny due to his ill-fated run with Southampton last season—where he managed just one win in his first 16 Premier League matches before being relieved of his duties. However, Gunn, who played with Martin during his final days as a Norwich City player and later faced his Southampton side in the Championship, believes judging Martin solely on that stint is unfair and short-sighted.
Speaking on the situation, Gunn said fans should not view Martin as “damaged goods” because the demands at a struggling Premier League club and a dominant outfit like Rangers are worlds apart. “Yes, I definitely think people should look beyond what happened at Southampton,” Gunn emphasized. “Managing a promoted side in the Premier League isn’t the same as leading a club like Rangers into Europe or competing for domestic titles. You can’t make that direct comparison.”
Gunn, who witnessed Martin’s leadership firsthand during his early days in professional football, praised his former captain as a thoughtful, forward-thinking figure who had all the traits of a future coach even during his playing days. “Russell was already coaching while still playing,” Gunn recalled. “He organized, mentored, and had strong relationships with everyone in the dressing room—even when he wasn’t a regular starter. You could tell he was preparing for a managerial path.”
He also defended Martin’s overall coaching résumé, pointing to his previous achievements in the Championship, where he helped both Swansea City and Southampton exceed expectations. “He took Swansea further than most expected and guided Southampton to promotion under immense pressure,” Gunn noted. “His Southampton side evolved during the season—from being overly open to becoming more measured and pragmatic. That shows he’s not some rigid tactician who refuses to adjust. Quite the opposite, actually.”
Gunn dismissed the notion that Martin is a one-dimensional coach, stating that his adaptability—especially visible in the Championship—is what sets him apart. “We played them twice: one match was a high-scoring thriller, the other a goalless stalemate. That kind of contrast reflects a coach willing to change, not one stuck in a single philosophy,” he explained.
While many Rangers fans have expressed concern over Martin’s top-flight record, Gunn insists the real test will be what Martin does once he’s officially in the role. “The only way to win the fans over is to come in and start strong,” Gunn admitted. “But I really believe he has what it takes. His time at Southampton was challenging, yes—but there were clear signs of quality.”
Gunn also pointed out the difficulty of succeeding with a club freshly relegated or recently promoted, where expectations are often sky-high and resources limited. “Coming down from the Premier League adds huge pressure—on the players and the coaching staff. But he managed to deliver and get results despite that,” he said.
Reflecting on Martin’s character, Gunn was emphatic: “He’s a very intellectual guy. When I was a young loanee at Norwich from Manchester City, he was someone I could always turn to. He supported me, even when he wasn’t playing, and his influence went beyond the pitch.”
Martin’s brief stint as a Rangers player may also help smooth his transition back to Glasgow, should the appointment go through. “He already knows the club a bit. That matters,” Gunn added. “I think he’d be a great fit. For Rangers, it could be the start of something really positive.”
With Gunn’s glowing endorsement, Martin’s critics may now have reason to reconsider. As the Ibrox club closes in on its next chapter, the focus will soon shift from speculation to results—and according to Gunn, Martin is more than ready.
Alious
