Russell Martin sudden favourite to take charge at Premier League-winning club as odds slashed
Russell Martin has emerged as a shock favourite to return to management in the coming days despite his shocking period in charge of Rangers.
Rangers sacked Martin in October, after the former Southampton boss had led his team to just five wins from their opening 17 games of the season.
The Englishman required a police escort to leave the ground following his final game in charge, such had the situation grown toxic.
Danny Rohl has transformed Rangers since he replaced Martin, with the Gers now on the tails of Celtic and Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.
Martin was linked with the Oxford United job before Matt Bloomfield was appointed to replace Gary Rowett last week.
Russell Martin leads race to take over at Leicester City
Marti Cifuentes’ job at Leicester City remains in doubt, despite consecutive wins for the first time since November.
The Foxes progressed past Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup on Saturday and beat West Brom at the King Power Stadium last week – a result that led to Ryan Mason‘s sacking.
It has still been a hugely disappointing season for Leicester, however, who would have hoped to have a strong chance of going straight back up to the Premier League this season.
Decision-makers hired Cifuentes in July following the departure of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who had been unable to avert relegation to the Championship.
The Spaniard looked to be an ideal candidate, after a strong stint with QPR had ended in unusual circumstances.
But Cifuentes now remains perilously close to the sack, and Martin has emerged as the favourite to take over from him if he is indeed dismissed.
Martin’s odds of taking charge at Leicester have been slashed to 4/1 by one major bookmaker, with the Englishman followed by Robbie Keane (7/1) and Lee Carsley (10/1).
Martin’s Championship record amid Leicester links
Martin’s time at Rangers has seen his name completely and utterly dragged through the mud.
But it should not be forgotten that the Englishman did enjoy positive Championship tenures with Swansea City and Southampton.
| Russell Martin | Championship |
| Wins | 60 |
| Draws | 34 |
| Losses | 44 |
| Scored | 213 |
| Conceded | 195 |
| PPG | 1.55 |
The 40-year-old led the Swans up the league, and got the Saints promoted at the first time of asking.
Martin’s record in the English second-flight stands at 60 wins in 138 games, with a 1.55 points per match rate.
Certainly not enough to get Leicester back to the Premier League should he be appointed, but by no means a poor record.