Russell Martin to Rangers: Keith Wyness shares instant reaction – ‘the 49ers don’t get it’
Russell Martin has finally been named the new head coach at Rangers and will lead the club into the 49ers Enterprises era.
The 39-year-old former Gers loanee arrives just days after the 49ers and Andrew Cavenagh completed their majority takeover at Ibrox.
“From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history,” Martin told the Rangers website. “As I return, I’m determined to bring success back.
Davide Ancelotti, former assistant to legendary father Carlo, had emerged as a rival for the role at Ibrox – despite having not held a manager post before.
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted Martin‘s experience at Rangers and in Scotland will be invaluable as the 49ers “don’t get” the “cauldron of Glasgow” just yet.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested Martin’s tactical nous could give him the edge to have success over Celtic.
He has signed a three-year contract at Ibrox, six months after being dismissed by relegated Southampton.
Wyness claimed Ancelotti would have melted in the “Ibrox inferno” in what would have been his first-ever job.
| Games | 73 |
| Wins | 34 |
| Draws | 13 |
| Losses | 26 |
| Goals (For / Against) | 126 / 118 |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “For weeks, I’ve been going on about how Martin is the better choice compared to Ancelotti.
“Martin also played, briefly, for Rangers and was a Scotland international.
“You’ve got to understand the cauldron of Glasgow you’re walking into. I don’t think the 49ers get it yet.
“They may say they do, but believe me – I understand it.
“It’s crazy and you’ve got to understand what you’re walking into.
“His experience at Southampton, while it didn’t work out, showed me that he at least had the nous to try a creative approach.
“If you’re going to Rangers, your only task is to beat Celtic four times a year.
“I think Martin is the smarter of the two, I don’t think Ancelotti could have handled the Ibrox inferno in his first job.
“He was the right choice.”
Rangers transfer plan revealed
Football Insider has revealed (2 June) that Rangers’ new owners are expected to make big transfer funds available to their new head coach this summer.
Martin is set to be backed with big money yet again after two strong summer windows while at Southampton.
Big changes are expected at Rangers this summer with Kevin Thelwell starting work as the club’s new sporting director in recent days.
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