RUSSELL MARTIN is on the brink of being appointed Rangers’ new boss.
The one-time Ibrox defender looks set to replace Philippe Clement — almost four months after the Belgian was axed and Barry Ferguson installed as caretaker.
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SunSport first revealed on February 24 that 29-cap ex-Scotland defender Martin was in the frame to land the job.
Now we look at six burning issues the new manager will need to address as he seeks to turn around the fortunes of the team.
THE GOALKEEPER
This time last year, Clement claimed every player in the Rangers squad was for sale — apart from Jack Butland.
It wasn’t a statement which aged well.
Clement was sacked in February as Gers trailed Celtic in the league.
And former England No 1 Butland was guilty of several high-profile errors.
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After one mistake too many — in a 2-0 home defeat to Hibs in April — the 32-year-old was dropped to the bench by interim boss Fergie. Liam Kelly grabbed the gloves, only to miss the last two games of the campaign through injury.
But who will start between the sticks for the first Champions League qualifier on July 22? It’s a big call.
THE CAPTAIN
James Tavernier has won the Premiership title, Scottish Cup and Premier Sports Cup — as well as skippering Gers in a Europa League final.
He’s scored more than 100 goals, provided more than 100 assists, and earned a place in the Ibrox Hall of Fame after a decade of service.
But he still splits the Rangers fan base and those impressive numbers took a decided dip last season as Gers toiled and Tavernier moved beyond his 33rd birthday.
An untimely injury to Dujon Sterling probably means Tav will start next term at right-back — but the next boss must decide how long he can go on.
THE DEFENCE
Leon Balogun has been released, Robin Propper looks set to be returning to FC Twente, and loan stars Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafa Fernandes are back at their parent clubs.
It leaves John Souttar as the only recognised first-team central defender — and the Scotland ace has just one year left on his Ibrox contract.
With Ridvan Yilmaz again linked with a return to former club Besiktas and Jefte yet to convince, left-back could be another area of concern for the new boss.
Gers shipped way too many goals last term, just one clean sheet in their last 14 domestic games, so the backline clearly needs some repair.
THE MIDFIELD
Ferguson finished the last campaign with on-form Nico Raskin in the engine room, alongside Mo Diomande and Connor Barron.
On the face of it, the new man in the dugout could elect to stick rather twist — as Raskin’s form has swept him into the Belgium team, while Barron could make a Scotland debut over the next four days.
But Everton are keen on Diomande, while that good form could attract interest in the Belgian.
Given the new broom sweeping through Ibrox, the club’s American owners are sure to look closely at their player trading model.
Lyall Cameron is arriving from Dundee and will inject attacking impetus, so maybe this is one position where Gers have less work to do than in others.
THE FLANKS
Vaclav Cerny was a roaring success last term but, like Abdallah Sima 12 months earlier, he’s done so well that he’s moved beyond Gers’ reach for a permanent deal.
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Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence also left at the end of their deals, and Nedim Bajrami scarcely endeared himself to the Ibrox faithful.
Gers have a £4.5million obligation to sign Oscar Cortes permanently from Lens, but that would account for almost a quarter of the £20m being handed over by Andrew Cavenagh.
Time to look for escape loopholes.
In short, Gers need pace in wide areas and the kind of penetration they lacked last term as they toiled to break down low blocks.
THE GOALS
Maybe the most intriguing decision of all will come in the most important position of all — No 9.
Cyriel Dessers left topped the Premiership scoring charts with 18 goals, netting more in the league than Daizen Maeda, Sam Dalby and Simon Murray.
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Rookie Hamza Igamane impressed in flashes with 16 in all competitions, including that spectacular late winner at Celtic Park in March.
But Danilo didn’t do anything to justify his £4m price tag, and every new manager tends to want his own striker on the premises. Watch this space.
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