Rangers boss Russell Martin praises 'intelligent' new Motherwell gaffer as he reveals text exchange after sides paired in Premiership opener
Rangers boss Russell Martin revealed he has already been in touch with new Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou after the old pals were paired together on the opening day of the new Scottish Premiership season.
The duo were team-mates at Norwich City and they will both make their dugout debuts in Scotland's top flight against each other on Saturday, August 2 when the Steelmen play host to the Ibrox side at Fir Park, live on Sky Sports.
Asked about facing Motherwell in the opening fixture, Martin told Sky Sports: "It is exciting. We have a lot to focus on before that obviously with a big European game [a Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos] but it is one I am looking forward to.
"I played with Jens, the new manager at Motherwell so it will be interesting. We've exchanged messages this morning. Knowing Jens and how intense he was about his work as a player and how he is as a person - seriously professional, intelligent - he will have them very well oragnised and prepared. So we need to make sure we are ready for any challenge.
"It is really important for us to start well, for the supporters, for us, for the club but it won't define our season. We need to make sure we are ready to perform. We have a lot of work to do physically, tactically.
"The players haven't even been in the building yet - they are back on Monday which I am really excited about - but now we have something to work towards. It is going to be great."
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