SKY SPORTS NEWS – It’s done. At last Rangers have their man —Fabrizio confirms He has just signed his contract tonight on three year deal. Agreement until June 2028 sealed

Russell Martin has reached an agreement to become the new Rangers head coach.

The former Ibrox defender is poised to pen a three-year contract at Ibrox and assume the role as permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, who was dismissed in February, with ex-captain Barry Ferguson taking charge for the closing stages of last season.

Martin, 39, edged out rivals including former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti — son of Carlo Ancelotti — who previously served as assistant at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid.

Sources indicate that Rangers are nearing the completion of the appointment, with an official confirmation anticipated in the coming days.

Sky Sports News disclosed on Tuesday that the club had entered advanced discussions with the former Southampton, Swansea, and MK Dons manager.

This marks the first major move for the new American ownership group that assumed control at Ibrox last week. Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises acquired a 51 per cent majority stake in the club.

It is also believed that Matty Gill will accompany Martin to Ibrox as his assistant. The duo have previously collaborated at clubs including Swansea and Southampton.

‘Martin fits most of Rangers’ criteria’:

Ex-Rangers forward Steven Naismith, who played over 50 matches alongside Martin for both Norwich and Scotland, believes the hire is the correct one.

He told Sky Sports News: “Developing players, the recruitment side of it and attacking football [are all issues] that have been labelled at the team for too long. I think they’re all strengths that Russell brings.

“I think in every name that’s been mentioned and linked towards the job, I think he probably ticks the most boxes for what’s required at the club at this moment.

“The most common thing I would imagine everybody’s heard is the leadership aspect. That was very clear from the first time I played with him.

“I know he spoke about his people skills and things like that. He knows how to get the best out of players, staff and those behind the scenes at Norwich. He was a big part of what their success was, as a club.

“His knowledge and his intelligence of the game is really good. I think even way back then when we were in our mid-twenties, he had a hunger to learn about the game.

“He had a bold style that he believed in. As players, you sit and think, how realistic is that? He’s shown it from MK Dons to Swansea to Southampton. He’s been clear with it.

“He’s produced performances and results that have gotten a quick path to the Premier League as a manager, which is very impressive.

“He’s a brilliant communicator. I think that’s been the clearest thing at each club very quickly. That style, you can identify it, you can see it. He’s intelligent. He’s somebody who learns from mistakes. He’s done that as a player.”