NafisaFormer Southampton manager Russell Martin is reportedly on the verge of becoming Leicester City’s new head coach, a development that significantly impacts Rangers’ managerial search.
According to recent reports, Martin has agreed to take over at Leicester, replacing Ruud van Nistelrooy, who departed following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
Martin had been a strong contender for the managerial position at Rangers, having engaged in discussions with the club’s new sporting director Kevin Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.
However, his decision to join Leicester City clears the path for Steven Gerrard to make a potential return to Ibrox. Gerrard, who previously managed Rangers from 2018 to 2021, leading them to their 55th league title and halting Celtic’s ten-in-a-row bid, is now considered the leading candidate for the role .
Speculation about Gerrard’s return intensified after he withdrew from an upcoming charity match, citing “professional reasons,” which many interpret as related to the Rangers position.
Further fueling the rumors, Gerrard’s longtime barber posted a video from Rangers’ training center, a move that fans have taken as a hint towards his impending return.
With Martin out of the picture, Rangers are expected to finalize their managerial appointment soon, aiming to have the new manager in place before the start of pre-season preparations on June 23. The club faces crucial Champions League qualifiers at the end of July, making the timing of this appointment critical .
Gerrard’s potential return is seen as a “win-win” situation by former teammate Didi Hamann, who believes that his previous success with Rangers could rejuvenate the club and boost morale . Fans are eagerly awaiting official confirmation, hopeful that Gerrard’s leadership will usher in a new era of success at Ibrox.
Nafisa
