Rangers on verge of Martin appointment – what can fans expect?

Rangers are close to putting together a deal to succeed Russell Martin as manager.

The 39-year-old was chosen as the frontrunner in a process that included the club speaking with former Feyenoord manager Brian Priske and former Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti.

Martin will succeed Philippe Clement, who replaced him with Barry Ferguson in February.

Matt Gill and Rhys Owens, as well as former Rangers defender Maurice Ross, are expected to join the former MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton manager at Ibrox.

Martin himself stated on the BBC’s Match of the Day last month that “how the style of play will fit” and “how convinced are the ownership and people in charge with how we do things” be key factors in choosing a job.

That suggests that he still believes in his philosophy.

John Walker, a football coach and analyst, has done a thorough analysis of Martin’s managerial career and thinks that many people don’t understand his style.

He told BBC Scotland, “I believe there is a misconception that possession is very passive for possession’s sake.”

“To me, whenever I watched MK Dons, Swansea, or Southampton in the Championship, it was actually really forward attacking play,” said one player.

It moved very quickly. Although the patterns weren’t exactly the same as Postecoglou’s Celtic, it wasn’t too dissimilar.

Because I think it’s a style of football with aggression that can work in Scotland, I’m so happy for him to take over Rangers.

Postecoglou and Martin both accuse one another of being reluctant to adapt. However, Angus Gunn, the former team-mate of the latter and Norwich City, would disagree.

In the English Championship, Gunn faced Martin’s Southampton team on the way to a failed Premier League appearance.

The Scotland goalkeeper described them as “a tough team.” We played a few good games to them, they said. One was 4-4, and the other was 1-1, which was quite striking.

They were quite open when we first played them, they said. Then, when we played them again, they showed some skepticism, which I believe demonstrates a coach’ ability to adapt and modify the way his team plays.

“Watching his teams over the course of the few years he was in charge, I believed he did it, despite the fact that some people likely claimed he was reluctant to make significant changes.”

I thought he did that well, particularly in the Championship.

The former Scotland defender’s story was that he was too resolute and needed to adapt, especially when he was playing for Southampton in the Premier League.

The former Rangers’ defender’s response was consistent.

He told BBC Sport, “There is a difference between having conviction and being stubborn.” As a coach, manager, or leader, it follows logic for me to stick with something and strive to improve.

With new funds available following the takeover led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, it seems like there will be a significant, if not seismic, change in Rangers’ squad personnel.

But how large would that be in order for Martin to put his ideas into practice?

Walker insists Martin would not be alarmed by such a task, but that he would need to see a complete overhaul of Rangers.

Walker said, “I don’t think many of the players that are currently there will survive.” I believe Swansea made 17 signings when he arrived, with 18 players leaving over the summer, according to my memory.

“There were 20 people wanting to leave when he entered Southampton.”

He has the experience of quickly implementing the style of play and building a squad. If he joins, I anticipate a significant squad overhaul.

“I believe that with the play, you’ll also have teething issues and a lot of goals will be conceded.”

Do you believe Martin would succeed as manager of the Rangers?