Russell Martin told he Only has Two Standard Setters in Rangers Dressing Room
Russell Martin, Rangers’ newly appointed head coach, has been tasked with revitalizing a squad under immense pressure to challenge Celtic’s dominance in the Scottish Premiership. However, sources close to the club suggest that Martin has been warned he inherits a dressing room with only two true “standard setters” capable of driving the team’s ambitions: club captain James Tavernier and midfielder Nicolas Raskin. This revelation underscores the significant rebuild Martin must undertake to restore Rangers to their former glory.
Martin, who signed a three-year deal following a US-led takeover by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, brings a reputation for possession-based, attacking football from his stints at MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton, where he secured Premier League promotion in 2024. His appointment comes with high expectations, with chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell emphasizing the need for a coach to “improve culture, develop the squad, and win matches.” Yet, the limited presence of influential figures in the dressing room could complicate his mission.
James Tavernier, Rangers’ long-serving captain, is widely regarded as one of the team’s cornerstones. The right-back’s leadership, consistency, and goal-scoring prowess from defense make him a pivotal figure. Martin has reportedly reaffirmed Tavernier’s role as captain, signaling his intent to build around the 33-year-old’s experience and influence. Tavernier’s ability to lead by example, both on and off the pitch, is seen as critical to instilling the professionalism and drive Martin’s philosophy demands. His presence offers a foundation for Martin to embed a winning mentality, especially in high-stakes matches against Celtic and in European competitions.
The second standout, Nicolas Raskin, represents the youthful energy and potential within the squad. The 23-year-old Belgian midfielder has shown glimpses of brilliance, with his work rate, vision, and tenacity earning praise. Martin’s possession-based system could unlock Raskin’s potential, positioning him as a key playmaker in the midfield. However, beyond these two, the squad reportedly lacks players who consistently set the tone for excellence, a concern highlighted by pundits and former players alike.
Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith, who played alongside Martin at Norwich, believes the new head coach’s attacking philosophy suits Rangers’ needs, particularly against low-block defenses in the Premiership. Yet, the lack of depth in leadership could hinder Martin’s ability to implement his vision quickly. The squad faces a significant overhaul, with funds available from the recent takeover, but Martin must navigate a “complicated” transfer puzzle, as noted by Thelwell. Early targets include a potential move for free agent Jamie Vardy and South American midfielder Vicente Pizarro, signaling Martin’s intent to bolster both experience and creativity.
The pressure is on for Martin to deliver results swiftly, with Rangers’ first Champions League qualifier looming on July 22/23. While Tavernier and Raskin provide a foundation, Martin must cultivate a broader culture of accountability and ambition. His ability to recruit effectively and harness the potential of a reshaped squad will determine whether he can transform Rangers into genuine title contenders, closing the gap on Celtic and rekindling the passion of the Ibrox faithful.
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