Russell Martin agreed a three-year contract at Rangers in early June Russell Martin will have shown he is the "right man" for Rangers "within the first six months or so", predicts former team-mate Steven Naismith. The 39-year-old begins his Ibrox reign with a Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next month, while his first Scottish Premiership game is a visit to Motherwell on 2 August. Naismith played alongside Martin for Norwich City and Scotland and believesthe former Southampton managerwill prosper in Glasgow. "I fully believe that he will come in and be a real success," Naismith told BBC Scotland. "I think what has been lacking at Rangers over the years, he ticks most of the boxes. His style of play, he knows how to break down a low block that he'll come up against a lot, in terms of dominating possession. "His communication and leadership skills are probably the highest things for him. He's shown in the three clubs he's managed before that he can produce, he can make teams better. "Within the first six months or so, I think he will have shown a lot of those doubting him that he is the right man." Ex-Hearts head coach Naismith also revealed the pair are in contact regularly and, although he has not spoken to him specificallyabout the Rangers job, he says he will be on hand if Martin needs him. "We chat a lot because we're friends and we're similar in terms of what we're going through in terms of coaching and management," the 38-year-old added. "I'll give him any help I can. He's pretty straightforward and laser-focused on his style, his mindset and what he wants. "His experience of playing at the club (on loan in 2018) is definitely something that will hold him in good stead going into the start of his managerial career at Rangers. "He wants his players to do certain things on the pitch that in Scotland get challenged from the stands quickly if it's not going well. "Finding that balance of having that clear style and working towards that, but also getting results short-term, is going to be key for him."
'Martin to prove he is right for Rangers within six months'
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"Russell Martin's Appointment at Rangers Sparks Optimism from Former Teammate"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Russell Martin has officially joined Rangers on a three-year contract, marking the beginning of his managerial journey at Ibrox. With his first major test set to be a Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next month, followed by his inaugural Scottish Premiership match against Motherwell on August 2, expectations are high for the 39-year-old. Former teammate Steven Naismith, who played alongside Martin at Norwich City and the Scotland national team, expressed confidence in Martin's ability to thrive in Glasgow. Naismith believes that Martin's managerial experience and understanding of the game will enable him to address some of the challenges that Rangers have faced in recent years. He emphasized Martin's capacity to dominate possession and break down defensive setups, which will be crucial in a league where teams often adopt a low-block strategy against Rangers. Naismith stated that within the first six months, Martin would demonstrate to skeptics that he is the right choice for the club.
In addition to his tactical acumen, Naismith highlighted Martin's strong communication and leadership skills, which he regards as vital attributes for success in management. The former Hearts head coach also mentioned that he and Martin maintain regular contact, though they have not specifically discussed the Rangers role. Naismith is willing to offer support and guidance as Martin navigates the pressures of managing a high-profile club. He acknowledged that Martin's previous experience playing for Rangers on loan in 2018 would be advantageous as he embarks on this new chapter in his career. Naismith pointed out that balancing a clear tactical style with the immediate need for results will be essential for Martin as he strives to establish his approach while also satisfying the fervent expectations of the fans at Rangers. Overall, there is a sense of optimism surrounding Martin's appointment, with many anticipating a successful tenure ahead for the new manager.
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