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By CALUM CROWE Published: 07: 47 AEST, 23 July 2025 | Updated: 08: 27 AEST, 23 July 2025 View comments With Andrew Cavenagh and other figures from 49ers Enterprises watching from the stands, this was to be the start of a bold new era on and off the pitch for Rangers. When Russell Martin was appointed as manager, it was already clear there would be a break from the normal traditions when his unveiling did not take place inside the blue room at Ibrox. It was no surprise, then, that the famous brown brogues made famous by so many Ibrox bosses over the years were also conspicuous by their absence last night as Martin took charge in the dugout for the first time. Still smartly turned out in the navy blue club suit, with a t-shirt and loafers to match, he opted for the more modern look. Prowling the touchline and coaching his players through the game at every opportunity, Martin was an animated figure. Especially during a chaotic first half when his team would have been a couple of goals down had it not been for a return to form of Jack Butland. Findlay Curtis produced a moment of magic early in the second half to put his side in front Djeidi Gassama got his Rangers career off to a perfect start with a fine strike from range Manager Russell Martin lapped up the celebrations with his players at the full-time whistle Rangers made for a nervy watch at times. The home side were much improved in the second half. Joe Rothwell was the orchestrator in the middle of the pitch and looks like he will be the fulcrum of the new-look midfield under Martin. After goals from Findlay Curtis and substitute Djeidi Gassama had fired Rangers to a 2-0 win, Martin joined his players in a walk around the pitch to applaud the fans at full-time. For a manager whose appointment was met with such an outpouring of dissatisfaction, early progress in Europe would be a good way to silence the critics. The job is not yet done. A far different test will await in Athens next week. But this was a night when Martin’s reign started with a bang. Given that many had expected him to fall flat on his face right from the off, that in itself felt like a positive for a manager who needs to build as much early credit in the bank as possible.
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