Rangers ‘closing in on Russell Martin as next manager and he has already ACCEPTED the project’

RUSSELL MARTIN is ‘closing in’ on being named the new Rangers manager, it’s being claimed.

SunSport was first to tell you back on February 28 – the day Philippe Clement was axed – that Martin was a serious contender to replace him.

Reuters

Russell Martin during his time at Southampton[/caption]

Russell Martin, RangersWillie Vass - The Sun Glasgow

Since then the likes of Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti have both been heavily linked with the role.

But we told you at the start of the week how Martin remained a major contender for the role, and was set to meet with Rangers chiefs to make a fresh pitch to become Ibrox boss.

But now the 39-year-old, a former Gers player, has emerged as the new frontrunner for the Gers hotseat, after interest from Leicester City came to nothing.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports this lunchtime that the former Southampton, Norwich and MK Dons boss has ‘accepted the project’ and the Gers are closing in on his signature.

He wrote: “Rangers are closing in on the appointment of Russell Martin as new head coach.

“Former Southampton manager has already accepted the project, ready for new chapter.”

New sporting director Kevin Thelwell said only yesterday how Rangers are closing in on a new manager.

Thelwell, now officially started as the club’s new sporting director yesterday, insists an appointment is close.

He said: “Top of the priority list will be the appointment of a new head coach for our men’s team.

“That search has been progressing well and the club and I look forward to bringing that to a conclusion in the coming days.”

Meanwhile, Ibrox CEO Patrick Stewart says Gers aim to be a force for good in Scottish football.

Stewart is standing for election onto the SPFL board on June 24.

His appointment is likely to go through, with a number of other Ibrox figures taking up key positions with the league and SFA.

Under the previous regime, Gers were often critical of the running of the game. Now Stewart insists the club must continue to shine a spotlight on big issues – and vowed to engage in ‘constructive’ boardroom talks.

He said: “Rangers is committed to being a force for good in Scottish football.

“That means not only contributing ideas and energy to help the game grow, but also playing our part in asking the right questions and helping raise standards.

“These appointments and nomination demonstrate the club’s determination to play a full and constructive part in Scottish football’s decision-making and to ensure Rangers’ voice is heard on matters of importance.”

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