Russell Martin’s name is once again making waves in the Championship, this time as a possible successor for the managerial role at West Bromwich Albion. The coaching world resembles a game of musical chairs, with Martin’s frequent changes positioning him as a leading candidate for various clubs. Currently, Ryan Mason, the former Tottenham player managing The Hawthorns, appears to be the frontrunner for the next manager to be shown the exit.
Martin’s Brief Stint at Rangers
Martin’s most recent position was at Rangers, where he lasted just 123 days before his exit on October 5. In his 17 matches there, he achieved only five wins, leading to a decision to replace him with Danny Rohl. Rohl has since brought stability back to the team, highlighting the challenges even the most talented tacticians can face in a demanding environment.
Previous Interests in Martin
Before his time at Rangers, Norwich City had considered Martin for their managerial opening following Liam Manning’s departure. However, the club ultimately appointed Philippe Clement. There have also been discussions about a potential return to Southampton, along with links to positions at Leicester City and Swansea City. As West Brom’s owners grow impatient with current performance, the 39-year-old manager could be eyeing another opportunity in the Championship.
West Brom’s Current Situation
West Brom gambled on Ryan Mason’s hiring back in June to ignite a promotion push. However, after 19 games, the team currently sits 16th in the league following a disappointing 3-1 defeat against QPR. This unfortunate position has prompted bookmakers to take note, making Mason the 2/1 favorite to be the next Championship manager to lose his job. Following him in the odds are Leicester’s Marti Cifuentes at 7/2 and Sheffield Wednesday’s Henrik Pedersen at 4/1.
Odds for Russell Martin at West Brom
For Russell Martin, the odds indicate he stands at 7/1 to take over at The Hawthorns, on par with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Michael Carrick and Carlos Corberan are ahead in the betting market, listed at 7/2 and 5/1, respectively. These figures suggest a respect for Martin’s managerial pedigree, yet there remains a sense of caution due to his brief time in Scotland.
Martin’s Championship Record
Taking a closer look at Martin’s resume reveals a solid track record in the Championship. He successfully led Southampton to promotion via the play-offs in 2024 and has accrued 60 wins from 138 games in the second tier. This level of consistency is hard to overlook for clubs seeking a sustained push toward the top flight.
Leicester’s Eye on Martin
Leicester City is also observing the situation closely as Cifuentes grapples with form that jeopardizes the club’s promotion ambitions. If Leicester opts for a managerial change, Martin is already high on their shortlist. For those betting on Martin’s future at the King Power, it might be a challenging path ahead, but the view from the top is undeniably rewarding.
In summary, as the Championship landscape shifts, Russell Martin’s name continues to garner attention. Whether he makes his way to West Brom or another club remains to be seen, but his experience and past success keep him firmly in the spotlight.