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Russell Martin’s return to Rangers has sparked mixed reactions from the Ibrox faithful—not just because of questions surrounding his managerial track record, but also due to a significant departure from tradition in his appointment. Martin, formerly of Southampton, becomes the 20th individual to lead the club, but with a notable twist: he’s the first to carry the title of *Head Coach* rather than the long-standing designation of Manager.
This subtle but symbolic change underscores a broader structural shift under the new football operations setup at Rangers. Kevin Thelwell, who was recently installed as the club’s Sporting Director, shed light on this move during an interview with Rangers TV.
“It’s something that’s raised eyebrows, but I think it’s important,”* Thelwell explained. *“The traditional manager role is incredibly demanding—almost too much for one person to carry effectively in the modern game. We wanted to build a system that gives Russell the ability to concentrate on what truly matters: preparing the squad, delivering performances, and getting results.”
Under this redefined framework, Martin will handle the technical and tactical aspects of the first team, while Thelwell will oversee the broader footballing ecosystem—from recruitment and medical services to sports science and coaching infrastructure.
“By splitting those responsibilities and having clear, specialized focus areas, we believe we’ll be better positioned for long-term success,”* Thelwell added. *“Russell will benefit from a strong support network that allows him to be laser-focused on football itself.”
Martin’s appointment followed a comprehensive selection process in which several high-profile candidates were considered. These included young Italian coach Davide Ancelotti and former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard, who ultimately chose not to return. According to Thelwell, Martin stood out from the outset.
“We took our time to make the right decision. From day one, Russell impressed everyone involved. His experience—both as a head coach and a former player—shone through, and it was clear his methodology had matured significantly,”* said Thelwell. *“He’s strong tactically, technically sharp, and his personality fits the identity we want to build at this club.”*
Thelwell emphasized his enthusiasm for what lies ahead, noting that Martin’s appointment signals not just a new managerial era, but a cultural evolution at Ibrox.
I’m excited to work with him. I’m even more excited for the supporters to witness the style and strength we aim to bring to the pitch. This isn’t just a change in title—it’s a shift in how we operate, and we believe it will lay the foundation for a more sustainable and successful Rangers,”* he concluded.
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