Todd Cantwell delivers major Russell Martin verdict after Rangers confirmation
Todd Cantwell has given his reaction to the news that Rangers have appointed Russell Martin as their new manager.
The ‘Gers are under pressure to bounce back in the coming campaign, having endured a trophyless campaign in 2024/25.
With Barry Ferguson enduring a disappointing spell as interim Rangers manager in the latter stages of the campaign, he was unable to secure a permanent position in the Ibrox dugout.
That left the club needing to bring in a new manager on a longer-term basis, and they have now done that with Martin.
Russell Martin backed for Ibrox success
Having been out of work since being sacked by Southampton back in December with the club bottom of the Premier League, Martin had been heavily linked with a move to Glasgow to replace Ferguson.
There had been claims from some that Rangers can get a better appointment than Martin to take charge, although they have nevertheless now decided to go with the 39-year-old.
On Thursday (5 June), the club announced that the former defender, who had a loan spell with the ‘Gers in 2018, has now taken charge on a three-year contract.
Now Cantwell has given his backing to Martin to succeed at Ibrox, with the pair having previously worked together at Norwich City.
Taking to his Instagram story to react to news of that appointment by Rangers, Cantwell wrote: “One of the best I’ve worked with, really exciting times.”
Rangers need managerial move to work out
There is no denying that there is something of a risk to this move for the ‘Gers, given how badly things went for Martin with Southampton in the Premier League.
Indeed, the fact the other club who have been linked with Martin recently is Leicester City, who have just been relegated from the Premier League, perhaps underlines that even further.
So with that in mind, it will be a nervous period for the Ibrox outfit as they wait to see if this appointment works out.
Indeed, this is a particularly key season for Rangers following the new takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterpises as they look to make fast and positive progress under their new owners.
Having left the club to join Blackburn last summer, Cantwell has previously hinted he would be open to a Rangers return in the future.
Given it is someone who he clearly likes and respects who is now in charge in the form of Martin, it will be interesting to see if that now increases the likelihood of a reunion in Glasgow further down the line.