Former Southampton manager Russell Martin looks set to be become the next Rangers manager after a drawn out process, pipping front-runner Davide Ancelotti to the role. 

Martin, 39, has been out of work since his sacking in December 2024 as Southampton sat bottom of the Premier League before their eventual relegation.

However, it is understood that the manager’s playing style, which emphasises possession and pressing, has been an important factor in the decision.

The news comes just four days after a U.S. consortium led by the owners of the San Francisco 49ers, completed its takeover of the Glasgow club.

Having had a loan spell at Rangers in 2018 during a playing career which saw the midfielder earn 29 caps for Scotland, Martin experienced a rapid rise in the dugout moving from MK Dons to Swansea before winning the Championship play-offs with Southampton in 2024.

Supporters will be hoping that the appointment can bridge the gap with league runaways Celtic as well as provide some continuity, with none of the four permanent managers since Steven Gerrard reaching two years in the job.