Russell Martin’s last match as a Rangers player was indeed a memorable one – a 5-5 draw against Hibernian in May 2018. Here’s an update on what he’s been up to since then:

Playing Career After Rangers

After leaving Rangers, Martin joined Walsall in October 2018 in a player-coach role. However, he departed in January 2019 by mutual consent, citing family reasons. He then joined Milton Keynes Dons on a short-term deal until the end of the season, playing a key role in the club’s promotion to League One.

Management Career

Martin hung up his boots to focus on management and was appointed as the manager of Milton Keynes Dons in November 2019. During his tenure, he implemented a possession-based style of play that received widespread praise. His success at MK Dons led to him becoming the head coach of Swansea City in August 2021, where he spent two seasons.

Southampton and Beyond

In June 2023, Martin took the reins at Southampton, guiding them to promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs in May 2024. Although he signed a three-year contract extension in July 2024, he was sacked in December 2024 after a string of poor results.

Return to Rangers

In a surprising move, Martin was appointed head coach of Rangers in June 2025 on a three-year deal, marking a full-circle moment in his career. This appointment comes after his successful stint as a player at the club, where he made a lasting impression despite his short tenure.

Off the Pitch

Aside from his football career, Martin has been involved in various charitable endeavors. He established the Russell Martin Foundation, which aims to use football to help change people’s lives by providing access to football, education, and health courses in the local community. Martin has also been open about his personal life, including his struggles with ulcerative colitis, which led him to adopt a vegan lifestyle in 2014 ¹.