Martin often cut a smart-casual figure on the touchline with his previous clubs. He smartened up significantly for Rangers with a jacket and tie. No suit, however, and he still had the trendy trainers to complement his look.
He’ll be well aware how important first impressions are and the vibes that came across from his side of the top table were that he’s grateful and excited to be Rangers’ head coach.
Yet, he also possessed a steely determination to make a success of the job and has an unswerving belief in his methods and ability. To the point that he dismisses his playing career as mere preparation for what he feels he was born to do – coach.
There’s always a huge amount of interest in any new manager at either of Glasgow’s big two footballing institutions. Given the names linked to the Rangers job – including Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard – there was a genuine fascination in the room to see how Martin would come across. This was only heightened given the lukewarm response from some fans at his arrival.
In that sense, he didn’t disappoint. He spoke well and at length, seemed totally unfazed by any line of questioning, and was happy to give an insight into what he expects from his players.
Broadcasters and newspaper reporters fired questions at him about budgets, expectations, winning trophies and the struggle with Southampton in the Premier League that quickly cost him his job on the south coast.
He was happy to field them all and left this correspondent with the firm impression that Martin learned a great deal from his clashes with the cream of the crop in England’s top flight.
He hinted that he can be far more adaptable than people think, but there are certain core beliefs, those non-negotiables, that he will never compromise.
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