Former Rangers player Russell Martin has been confirmed as the new manager of Swansea City on a three-year contract.
Martin spent time on loan at Rangers from Norwich City in 2018, making 17 appearances and scoring one goal.
His playing career would finish a year later at MK Dons when he announced his retirement after replacing Paul Tisdale as manager.
The former defender guided the Dons to a 13th-place finish in League One in his first full campaign last season and earned plaudits for his team’s attractive style of play.
The Dons confirmed on Saturday that they had granted Martin permission to speak to Swansea – who have been managerless since Steve Cooper’s departure last month – and his appointment was confirmed on Sunday evening after a compensation fee was agreed.
“We are delighted with the appointment of Russell as our new head coach,” said Swansea City chief executive, Julian Winter [Swanseacity.com].
“He very much fits the profile of a young and hungry coach who wants to succeed, and he is more than ready for the opportunity.”
This is a significant step up for Martin given that Swansea are not only a division above MK Dons but are looking to get back into the Premier League, having reached the playoff final last season.
Martin’s spell at Rangers wasn’t particularly brilliant but he had a successful career overall and this appointment, aged just 35, shows how highly regarded he is as a coach.
Meanwhile, a former Ger that Martin will come up against in the Championship has earned praise from Bears for a Rangers-related tweet.
