RANGERS have confirmed the appointment of former Saints boss Russell Martin as the club’s new head coach on a three-year deal.

The 39 year old, who also managed MK Dons and Swansea, will be joined at Ibrox by assistant Matt Gill and performance coach Rhys Owen.

Martin guided Saints to promotion to the Premier League last year but was sacked in December following one win from their first 16 games.

Rangers finished last season under the caretaker management of former captain Barry Ferguson, having dismissed Philippe Clement in February.

Ex-Scotland defender Martin, who had a short loan spell as a player at Rangers in 2018, is tasked with wrestling power back from Celtic.

“From my time here, I had a taste of how special this club is, the expectation, the passion and the history,” Martin told the club’s website.

“Now, as I return, I’m determined to bring success back, for the supporters, the players, and everyone inside this club.

“There’s a lot to be done, but the goal is clear: win matches, win trophies and give Rangers fans a team that they can be proud of.”

Martin’s arrival is the latest in a series of major changes at the club, as new sporting director Kevin Thelwell officially began work on Monday.

Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart, who led the recruitment process alongside Thelwell, said: “Our criteria for our next coach were clear: we wanted a coach who will excel in terms of how we want to play, improve our culture, develop our squad, and ultimately win matches. Russell was the standout candidate.”

On social media site X, @RangersChat1873 said: "After all the hype of the takeover, fans getting excited over the prospect of a return to glory and picking up trophies. We're landed with Russell Martin to lead the charge. What an embarrassment."

@GaryThorn added: "I wish the club would just once listen to the fans! This is a disastrous appointment! All these weeks waiting for an announcement and this is what we get! Complete failure on the club for this business! He was nobodies preferred candidate!"

TeddyPicker990 fumed: "Absolute shambles, we never learn. Sacked by November, rinse and repeat. Celtic move further ahead."

@danRFC1872 said: "Dunno how Russell managed to convince the board but out of all the candidates, fair play. Better start winning on day one or he’s out by October."

However, @Brian_Friel55 simply added: "Wouldn’t have been my first choice, but I’ll back him all the way."

@garypaterson81 said: "We were all “delighted” when Beale was appointed and look how that turned out!! Maybe it’s time to trust the board!!! Good luck to him!"

@Craig_Dennett weighed in with: "The reaction to the appointment of Russell Martin has been wild. Not sure I’ve ever seen a reaction to a manager like that before he’s even stepped foot in the door. Good thing fans have a great track record in their choice and got it so right with the clamour for Michael Beale."