Russell Martin is a prominent figure in Rangers FC’s modern history, having served the club in two distinct capacities: first as a player during a loan spell in 2018, and later as the club’s manager in a brief, turbulent tenure during the 2025/26 season. Appointed in June 2025 to implement his signature possession-based “Martinball” philosophy, Martin’s managerial reign at Ibrox was cut short in October 2025 following a string of poor results, including defeats in the Europa League against teams like Sturm Graz. He was succeeded by Danny Röhl. As of February 2026, Martin is a free agent and is heavily linked with the vacant managerial position at Leicester City. His relationship with the Rangers support remains complex, defined by his high-risk tactical approach and the swift nature of his dismissal.
Russell Martin’s connection with Rangers Football Club is a tale of two eras: a veteran defender trying to steady a sinking ship in 2018, and a highly-rated manager whose return in 2025 promised a revolution but ended in swift separation.
This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of Russell Martin’s relationship with the Glasgow giants. From his playing days under Graeme Murty to his polarizing stint in the dugout, we explore the tactics, the controversies, and the statistics that define his time at Ibrox. Whether you are a Rangers supporter analyzing where it went wrong, or a neutral observer tracking one of football’s most ideologically distinct coaches, this article is your ultimate resource.
The 2025 Managerial Appointment: The Promise of “Martinball”
In June 2025, Rangers made the bold decision to appoint Russell Martin as their new manager. Following a successful spell at Southampton, where he guided the Saints back to the Premier League, Martin was identified by the Ibrox board as the man to modernize the club’s playing style and end Celtic’s domestic dominance.
The Philosophy
Martin arrived with a clear mandate: to implement an uncompromising, possession-heavy style of play known colloquially as “Martinball.”
- Possession Stats: During his tenure, Rangers averaged over 65% possession in the Scottish Premiership.
- Build-up Play: The strategy relied on playing out from the back, inviting pressure to create space in behind—a high-risk strategy in the frantic environment of Scottish football.
- Recruitment: The summer 2025 window saw Martin target technical players comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas, moving away from the more physical profile of previous Rangers sides.
The “Revolution” That Stalled
Despite a wave of optimism, the reality on the pitch quickly diverged from the boardroom vision. The slow, methodical build-up play often struggled to break down the “low block” defenses typical of Scottish Premiership opponents. Fans grew frustrated with what they perceived as “sterile possession”—passing for the sake of passing without penetrating the final third.
The 2025/26 Season Collapse
The unraveling of Russell Martin’s managerial career at Rangers was rapid, culminating in his dismissal in October 2025 after just four months in charge.
Key Defeats and Turning Points
The pressure mounted quickly due to a series of damaging results:
- Old Firm Derbies: A failure to secure a victory against Celtic early in the season set a negative tone.
- Europa League struggles: A notable 2-1 defeat to Sturm Graz in Austria highlighted defensive frailties. Despite dominating the ball, Rangers were undone by swift counter-attacks—a recurring theme of Martin’s teams.
- Domestic Inconsistency: Dropped points against mid-table sides left Rangers trailing in the title race before the winter break even approached.
The “Mentality” Controversy
Following the defeat to Sturm Graz, Martin gave a now-infamous post-match interview where he explicitly blamed the squad’s “mentality” rather than his tactics.
“It’s not a tactical problem. We have a lot of young men who will have to learn really quickly. We have to improve the mentality quickly.” — Russell Martin, October 2025.
This comment alienated sections of the fanbase and reportedly caused friction within the dressing room. Supporters felt the manager was refusing to adapt his “Plan A” despite clear evidence that it was leaving the defense exposed.
The Sack and Succession
By late October 2025, the Ibrox board acted. Martin was relieved of his duties, making his tenure one of the shortest for a permanent manager in the club’s history. He was replaced by Danny Röhl, whose high-pressing, direct style had an immediate positive impact, stabilizing the ship and winning back the crowd.
The Player Career: The 2018 Loan Spell
Long before he stood in the dugout, Russell Martin wore the Rangers jersey as a player.
January 2018 Arrival
In January 2018, Martin joined Rangers on loan from Norwich City until the end of the season. At the time, Rangers were managed by Graeme Murty and were in a period of significant instability, struggling to compete with Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.
Performance and Role
- Position: Center-back (often playing on the right side of a defensive partnership).
- Appearances: He made 15 appearances and scored 1 goal (against Hearts).
- Leadership: As a seasoned international and Norwich captain, Martin was brought in to provide leadership to a young and fragile defense.
- The Outcome: His time on the pitch was mixed. While his distribution was excellent—foreshadowing his future managerial style—he struggled with the pace and physicality of the Scottish game during a chaotic half-season that saw Rangers suffer heavy defeats to Celtic.
Departure
Martin returned to Norwich in May 2018 and subsequently moved to Walsall and then MK Dons as a player-coach, marking the beginning of his transition into management.
Tactical Analysis: Why “Martinball” Failed in Glasgow
To understand Russell Martin’s struggles at Rangers, one must analyze the tactical mismatch between his philosophy and the demands of the Scottish Premiership.
The “Risk vs. Reward” Imbalance
Martin’s system requires goalkeepers and defenders to hold onto the ball until the last possible second to lure strikers into pressing.
- In England: This works well against teams that press high.
- In Scotland: Most teams (outside of Celtic) sit deep against Rangers. They do not press high; they wait for a mistake. Martin’s side often found themselves passing horizontally in front of a wall of 10 defenders, leading to high possession stats but low “Expected Goals” (xG).
The Defensive High Line
Rangers played with an extremely high defensive line to compress the pitch. This left them vulnerable to balls over the top—a tactic ruthlessly exploited by European opponents and pacey domestic forwards. The lack of recovery pace in the Rangers backline made this strategy fatal.
Current Status (February 2026): What’s Next?
As of mid-February 2026, Russell Martin is a free agent but is widely considered the frontrunner for the Leicester City job.
The Leicester City Link
Following his exit from Rangers, Martin’s stock remains high in England, particularly in the Championship, where his style is seen as progressive and effective for promotion-chasing sides. Reports indicate he is the favorite to replace Marti Cifuentes at the King Power Stadium.
- Why Leicester? The Foxes have a squad technically capable of playing his possession game, unlike the mismatched squad he inherited at Ibrox.
- The Narrative: A move to Leicester would offer Martin a chance at redemption and a return to the league where he made his name as a manager with Swansea and Southampton.
Practical Information: Visiting Ibrox Stadium
For fans traveling to Glasgow to see the team (now under Danny Röhl), here is the essential practical guide.
- Location: 150 Edmiston Dr, Glasgow G51 2XD, UK.
- Capacity: Approx. 50,000.
- Transport:
- Subway: The easiest way to get there. Take the Glasgow Subway to Ibrox Station. It is a 5-minute walk to the ground.
- Bus: Several First Bus services run from the city center to Paisley Road West.
- Matchday Experience: Arrive at least 45 minutes early. The “Louden Tavern” is a famous pre-match spot for home fans (strictly home fans only).
- Tours: Stadium tours run on non-matchdays and include the trophy room and dressing rooms. Booking in advance is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Russell Martin manager of Rangers? He managed Rangers from June 2025 to October 2025.
Why was Russell Martin sacked by Rangers? He was dismissed due to poor results, specifically in the Europa League and Old Firm derbies, combined with a rigid adherence to a tactical style that was not producing wins. His comments blaming player “mentality” also contributed to his exit.
Did Russell Martin play for Rangers? Yes. He played for Rangers on loan from Norwich City for the second half of the 2017/2018 season.
What is “Martinball”? “Martinball” is the nickname for Russell Martin’s tactical philosophy. It is characterized by extreme possession (often 65%+), playing out from the back, and short, intricate passing.
Who replaced Russell Martin at Rangers? He was replaced by Danny Röhl, the former Sheffield Wednesday manager.
Where is Russell Martin now (Feb 2026)? He is currently a free agent but is heavily linked with the managerial vacancy at Leicester City.
How many games did Russell Martin play for Rangers? He made 15 appearances and scored 1 goal during his loan spell in 2018.
Did Russell Martin win any trophies with Rangers? No. He did not win any silverware as a player or as a manager during his time at the club.
What was Russell Martin’s win percentage at Rangers? His win percentage as manager was lower than historic club standards, hovering around 50-55% during his short stint, which is considered failure for a Rangers manager.
Is Russell Martin a Rangers fan? Russell Martin grew up in Brighton but has spoken highly of the size and stature of Rangers. However, he does not have a lifelong “boyhood fan” connection like some other managers (e.g., Steven Gerrard or Ally McCoist).
Which team did Russell Martin manage before Rangers? He managed Southampton, guiding them to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.
Did Russell Martin get along with the Rangers players? Reports suggest friction developed toward the end of his tenure, particularly after he publicly questioned the squad’s mentality following the Sturm Graz defeat.
What is Russell Martin’s preferred formation? He typically favors a 4-3-3 or a fluid 3-4-2-1 that shifts heavily depending on possession phases.
Explore Russell Martin’s turbulent history with Rangers FC. From his 2018 loan spell to his 2025 managerial reign, “Martinball,” and his sudden sacking.
… How Russell Martin transforms Rangers with his 4-3-3 tactic …
This video is relevant because it provides a visual breakdown of the specific tactical system (“Martinball”) that Russell Martin attempted to implement at Rangers, helping to explain the “tactics vs. mentality” debate mentioned in the article.
