Martin determined to prove doubters wrong
Russell Martin acknowledges he was not the first pick of some Rangers fans to be the club's new head coach, but he is determined to prove his doubters wrong.Many supporters have expressed displeasure at the decision to appoint the former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton boss on a three-year deal.But the ex-Rangers defender says his history of winning over critics makes him convinced he can do so again at Ibrox.Asked whether he is confident he can prove his doubters wrong, Martin replied: "I have to be. I have a lot to prove. My whole career has been based on proving people wrong."Some names in football management are a bit more exciting than others, but I feel after five-and-a-half years of being a manger, coach and leader, I love doing it. I'm going to be all in with my energy.""Ultimately I just want to win. If I'm winning, I'm sure [the fans] will be happy."The 39-year-old, who led Southampton to Premier League promotion last year but was sacked by December after just one win in 16 games, wants to give the Rangers fans "a team they identify with".Martin concedes he has not been the initial "number one choice" with the supporters at any club he has managed, but he is hoping to forge a "real connection" with the demanding fanbase in Govan.In order to that, however, the ex-Scotland centre-back knows he needs to show them instant success."To the fans, I have to win," Martin added. "I don't think I've been number one choice [with the fans] at any club I've been at. "But, by the time we've left anywhere, we've felt a real connection with the fans. I hope this will be the same."
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Scottish Sun
26 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
I warned Rangers not to sack Giovanni van Bronckhorst, reveals former owner Sir David Murray
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Speaking exclusively to SunSport, Murray said: 'I met the Parks at the time van Bronckhorst was coming to an end. 'I suggested that they stood still with van Bronckhorst and keep him. Advertisement "It seemed pointless to get rid of him. 'I don't want to seem smart after the event but the Beale exercise did not work and it cost a lot of money. 'There is van Bronckhorst now so highly rated that he's about to become the No 2 at Liverpool. 'He did reasonably well in Turkey and won the Super Cup with Besiktas. Advertisement 'He was one penalty kick from being up there with the greats. I think he got a raw deal. But it's not my decision. I'm only speaking as an observer now.' Van Brockhorst cost Gers £5million in the summer of 1998 and spent three years at Ibrox under countryman Dick Advocaat before an £8m move to Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. Sir Sean Connery's secret £1 MILLION investment in Rangers revealed When he returned as boss to succeed title-winning Steven Gerrard, he led Gers to the 2022 Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville. They lost on penalties after a nerve-shredding 1-1 draw and were denied just a second European trophy in the club's history. Advertisement They then beat Hearts at Hampden days later to lift to the Scottish Cup for the first time in 13 years. But a poor start to the next campaign prompted the board to axe van Bronckhorst, now linked with a job as Arne Slot's assistant at English Premier League champions Liverpool. Murray, who owned Gers for 23 years, believes the call was one of many decisions that didn't need to be made. He said: 'You had a dysfunctional board. Honestly, when you have directors putting in loans of £2m or £3m, everyone wants a say. Advertisement 'You can't run a football club by committee. 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'People can blame me all they want but, with the greatest respect, there was a global recession. 'It was so bad the Royal Bank were about an hour away from no money coming out of the ATMs. Advertisement 'Most people who have dealt with me in business still deal with me. 'I'm close to people. When people work with you and they're in the trenches, they know the truth. 'People standing on the touchline and commenting don't know the full story.' - Mettle: Tragedy, Courage & Titles by Sir David Murray, is on sale Thursday July 3 from Amazon and all good bookshops. Advertisement Preorder on Amazon here. Sir David is donating his royalties to Erskine Hospital. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
BBC News
29 minutes ago
- BBC News
Fears over 90 jobs at Dunfermline supplier to bus maker Alexander Dennis
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The Sun
41 minutes ago
- The Sun
Energy giant with 5million customers in merger talks to create UK's 3rd BIGGEST gas & electricity supplier
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