MARTIN HAS TO FLIP HIS FLOP

Davis insists Russ will be better boss for failed EPL experiment

- Andy Newport

STEVEN DAVIS is convinced Russell Martin's failed Premier League experiment will make him a better Rangers manager.

Martin's bold passing philosophy that swept Southampton to promotion in 2024 was quickly torn apart by their merciless English top-flight rivals last season.

A savage run of defeats cost the 39-year-old his job in December, but he is back at Ibrox for another crack at management.

And former Gers captain and caretaker boss Davis is certain Martin — who had a loan spell at the club in 2018 — will have learned some valuable lessons.

"Russell is obviously very straightforward in terms of how he wants to work," said Davis, right. "He's got a philosophy and a culture that he wants to implement. I think that would be a good thing.

"I watched quite a few Southampton games when he was manager. They did really well in the Championship, maybe not quite so well in Premier League, but he's learned from those experiences.