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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Josh McCafferty

The three unseen figures that 'prepared' Russell Martin for Rangers job

Rangers head coach Russell Martin says three key figures helped him learn more about the club before taking the top job at Ibrox

The 39-year-old named late kitman Jimmy Bell, masseur David Lavery and physio Steve Walker as men who told him stories of what to expect. 

Martin was unveiled as the club's new head coach on Thursday as he reflected on his previous Rangers stint: "My period here before it was incredible learning for me," he said.


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 "It helped me so much on my journey about culture, about what to expect, about what's required. And listening to Jimmy Bell, the kitman, tell me stories. And Disco [David Lavery], who's been here for years, and people like that. And Stevie [Walker] the physio, and listening to them talking about it. It just whetted my appetite even more. So I learned a lot when I was here. And it's helped me prepare for it now."

Martin has already outlined his summer plans for Rangers, admitting he wants to sign one or two players before their first Champions League qualifier comes around next month. 

"There are a few positions where we'll need to strengthen fairly quickly and fairly early on," he told Sky Sports

"I'm also willing to be surprised and I'm open to being surprised by some of the players we have here.

"I think the way we're going to try and work and play is going to give them the best chance to show us what they've got and to give us the best version of themselves and hopefully one or two surprises.

"We'll need some help before that game for sure, but until we get in here and assess everyone, how many we'll need before the game or how realistic that is because football and the business and transfer window can be difficult.

"I'm pretty sure by then we'll have one or two people [in], to help us add to the group."

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