Martin learned all about Ibrox folklore drinking whisky in the jacuzzi with kitman Jimmy Bell
As Russell Martin stepped into the chaotic world of Rangers in January 2018, he knew he was in for a challenge. The club was reeling from a humiliating European defeat at the hands of Progres Niederkorn, and the manager, Pedro Caixinha, had been sacked just a couple of months later. The atmosphere was toxic, and the team was struggling to find its footing. Martin, who had been brought in on loan from Norwich City by interim manager Graeme Murty, was tasked with adding some much-needed experience to the central defense. However, things didn’t go as planned, and the team suffered two devastating defeats at the hands of Celtic, including a 4-0 thrashing in the Scottish Cup semi-finals and a 5-0 drubbing at Celtic Park.
Despite the chaos and negativity surrounding the team, Martin found solace in the wise words and guidance of Jimmy Bell, the legendary Ibrox kitman. Bell, who sadly passed away in 2022, took Martin under his wing and taught him the values and history of Rangers. The two formed a strong bond, and Martin has often spoken about the invaluable lessons he learned from Bell. “It was amazing to be around those guys,” Martin recalled. “Jimmy especially would talk about what the club meant, what brought it success. He’d tell me stories, and it was a beautiful moment. I’m really glad I shared that with him.” Martin also formed a close relationship with club masseur Davie ‘Disco’ Lavery, who shared his passion and love for the club. The two would often talk about the team’s history and the importance of restoring the club to its former glory.
Martin’s time at Rangers was not without its challenges, however. He faced sectarian abuse during his time in Glasgow, including a widely-circulated video of him being verbally abused by a Celtic fan in a shop. Despite this, Martin remains thick-skinned and unphased by the abuse. He attributes his high tolerance levels to his upbringing with an abusive father, which taught him to be resilient in the face of adversity. Martin is well aware of the intense scrutiny that comes with working in Glasgow, but he believes that the positive messages of support far outweigh the negativity. “The size of this club, I think, people don’t understand until you come up here,” he explained. “I thought I’d had an understanding, and then being in it, it’s even bigger than what you think and how much it means to people.”
As Martin returns to Rangers as the new head coach, he is determined to bring success back to the club. He has signed a three-year deal and is eager to get started. Martin’s experience as a player and his knowledge of the club’s history and values make him the ideal candidate for the job. He is well aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but he is confident in his ability to overcome them. “When I came here, I wanted to stay here as a player for as long as I could,” he said. “And then when it became apparent that it wasn’t going to happen, the aim was then to try to get back here as a coach or as a manager. And thankfully I’ve been able to do that.” Martin’s passion and dedication to the club are evident, and he is determined to make a positive impact on the team.
As Martin begins his new chapter at Rangers, he is acutely aware of the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. The club’s fans are eager for success, and the pressure to deliver is high. However, Martin is not intimidated by the challenge. He is confident in his ability to lead the team to victory and is excited to get started. “I think to feel that passionate about the club, and Disco as well, the way he talks about it, he got emotional talking about his football club and what it meant to him,” Martin said. “I want to be part of that, and I want to help restore the club to its former glory.” With his experience, knowledge, and passion for the club, Martin is the perfect candidate to lead Rangers back to success.
As Martin embarks on this new chapter in his career, he is grateful for the support of the club’s fans and staff. He is excited to work with the players and to help them achieve their full potential. Martin’s appointment as head coach has been met with enthusiasm and optimism, and he is determined to repay the trust that has been placed in him. With his strong work ethic, his passion for the club, and his experience as a player, Martin is well-equipped to lead Rangers to success. As he said, “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to come back and manage this club. I’m excited to get started, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.” With Martin at the helm, Rangers fans can be optimistic about the future of their beloved club.
