Is Rangers top contender Martin a vegan, toilet-cleaning enthusiast or a stickler for principles?

Image source, Getty Images Colin Moffat BBC Sport Scotland Published 3rd June 2025 Updated 5th June 2025 "He's a jolly good chap and ever so talented. He's bound to be a manager one day because he's just the right person for the job." Those kind and perceptive words came from Delia Smith when Russell Martin bid farewell to Norwich City in the summer of 2018. Now, the 39-year-old has taken the helm at Rangers as the club's new American owners begin their tenure. With only one victory in 16 matches and being dismissed before Christmas, the situation doesn't appear promising. However, there's more to Martin than just a brief stint in the Premier League with Southampton last season. His possession-based style saw Southampton secure promotion via the play-offs a year ago - a style that he honed at MK Dons and Swansea City. Martin, a former Scotland defender, refused to compromise on his principles. "After reaching the Premier League, changing tactics would be nonsensical," he stated following a narrow defeat to Manchester City in October. "I can't stand on the sidelines and watch something I don't connect with or love. What's the point in that?" Pep Guardiola praised the visitors' bravery on the ball that day, even suggesting he could learn from Martin's approach. Although the method eventually did not succeed due to a lack of Premier League experience in the squad, Martin was let go. But will his style work at Rangers, where they are expected to dominate most domestic opponents? What tactical innovations will Martin bring to Rangers? Listen on Sounds: 'He has a clear identity and understands Rangers' Under Martin, MK Dons set a British record with a goal scored from a 56-pass move in March 2021. In that season, only Manchester City and Barcelona had a higher average possession percentage in Europe than the League One side. At Swansea, Martin received numerous accolades for his system, despite not securing any titles. Former Ibrox forward Steven Naismith, who played alongside Martin for Scotland and Norwich City, believes Rangers will flourish under such an approach. "He has a distinct style, a clear identity, and that, in my opinion, is crucial," Naismith told BBC Sport Scotland. "Rangers need someone who comprehends what they want and can execute it. Russell has achieved that now at three clubs." "In Scotland, Rangers will often face teams that sit deep, and it's about breaking them down. I think Russell's philosophy revolves around that," Naismith added. Martin previously spent time on loan at Rangers during the lackluster 2017-18 season, making 17 appearances and scoring one goal as his playing career started winding down. "He knows the league, he knows the club, which is essential and can sometimes be overlooked, causing significant issues," said Naismith. "Russell has experienced it, albeit briefly. He comprehends the demands and he was likely at the club during a period when quality was lacking, so he's aware of how challenging it can be." Published 3 days ago: "Martin is now Rangers' new man - what can fans expect?" Published 2 days ago: "Rangers appoint former Southampton boss Martin" Published 30th May: "'We want Rangers back at the top' - US consortium completes takeover" Vegan diet, herbal remedies & cleaning toilets Martin was 32 when he made the switch to Ibrox and did not add to his 29 Scotland caps - his debut came as a substitute in a 3-1 victory over Wales in 2011. During his career, Martin excelled at Norwich City, making over 300 appearances and achieving back-to-back promotions from League One. He captained the club upon their return to the Premier League in 2015. Previous clubs Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United also saw Martin serve as captain. His leadership abilities impressed Naismith, who highlighted his skills in communication and understanding what it takes to bring out the best in players. Lee Trundle, a former Swansea City striker, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that man-management is one of Martin's primary strengths. "Everyone at Swansea enjoyed playing under him. He's transparent with his players, telling them what he needs," said Trundle. "He's very shrewd. I don't think he operates with a plan A or a plan B; it's just the way he perceives football. He believes that's how the game should be played, and he sticks with it." Despite his gentle Sussex accent and eloquence, Martin had a turbulent upbringing, with his late father's violence and gambling causing upheaval in his life. Martin has openly discussed his complex relationship with his Scottish father, who alternated between being loving and controlling, driving him and his brothers strenuously as their initial football coach. "My whole existence revolved around proving him wrong and making him proud," he revealed to The Times in November 2023. Martin had a late start in his professional football career, working at a supermarket and cleaning toilets before turning 18 and entering the ranks of professional football. He faced challenges, such as dealing with ulcerative colitis during his career, eventually adopting a vegan diet to combat inflammation after exploring acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments. Martin has never shied away from following his own path. Could his unique approach be the right fit for Rangers? scottish, premiership, rangers, football, management

Sunday 08th Jun 2025