THE MOMENT he met him, he knew he was a leader.
But it took YEARS for Russell Martin to convince him that his football beliefs would translate into a successful style of play.
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The former Southampton, Swansea City and MK Dons boss is closing in on the Rangers job.
And one of his old team mates at club and country believes he is the outstanding candidate to lead the Ibrox club into the new 49ers Enterprises era.
Steven Naismith played alongside Martin with Norwich City and Scotland.
He was always intrigued by his views on football but was sceptical that it would work.
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Southampton struggled mightily in the Premier League this season, which ultimately led to Martin’s demise.
But Naismith was impressed with the job he did to get them there.
And while he was surprised his style of play worked as well as it did, he wasn’t shocked at all to see his compatriot prove his mettle as a manger.
Naismith told Sky Sports that Martin ticks more boxes than the likes of Davide Ancelotti did and that he will give the Light Blues a proper identity on the park – something that’s been missing for a while.
He said: “What Rangers have missed or lacked is a clear style, the development of players, attacking football and the recruitment side of things.
“They are all things that Russell brings.
“Of every name that’s been linked to the job, he ticks the most boxes for what’s required.”
Naismith watched Martin’s leadership qualities first hand.
Whilst in the same dressing room at Norwich, Naismith noticed that Martin was an excellent communicator and had a superb knowledge of the game.
He also credited him for some unseen work behind the scenes at the club.
“His leadership was very clear from the first time I played with him at Norwich,” Naismith said.
“He’s a leader and I know he’s spoken about his people skills and things like that. He gets the best out of players and staff.
“Behind the scenes at Norwich he was a big part of the success.
“And on top of that, his knowledge and intelligence of the game is really good.
“Even back when we were team mates, he had a hunger to learn and a bold style that he believed in.”
In terms of that style of play, Naismith reckons it’s tailor made for Rangers.
He has seen many a Gers team struggle to break down a low block – something Martin’s Southampton side did with aplomb in the Championship.
Naismith said: “You’re sitting thinking as a player ‘I’m not sure that can work’.
“But he’s had real belief, he’s a brilliant communicator and that style you can identify it.
“He learns from mistakes.
“He’s a forward-thinking coach, and attack-minded coach and that’s the biggest thing that can give you hope.
“Rangers play against a low block most of the time and his style forces teams to do that and his team score goals against it.”
Naismith described Martin as a strong character who would have been able to handle the pressure of Ibrox regardless of his previous association with Rangers.
The fact he has been there – even during a bleak time – will only help his case.
Naismith said: “Russell is a strong character. He never hides and he never backs away a challenge.
“Rangers fans and Scottish football fans in general are no mugs. Talking around a subject doesn’t work. They want you to be straight to the point.
“Him being a player here will have helped. He was here at a really tough time for the club. He’ll know what’s coming if things aren’t working.
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“You listen to any player that’s worked under him, it’s all very positive because of those communication skills.
“He’s demanding but he comes across at the right moments in the right way, whether it’s to put his arm around a player or being a bit more aggressive.”
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