Russell Martin has revealed he turned down several job offers before agreeing to manage Rangers.
The 39-year-old was dismissed by Southampton in December and has been unemployed since.
Now, Martin is set to take the helm at Ibrox for the 2025/26 season.
On The Rest Is Football podcast last month, Martin shared his activities post-sacking and the roles he declined.
He said: "[I've been doing] lots of watching football and analysing our stuff and putting stuff together, ready for whatever comes next.
"I turned down a few jobs in the last few months.
"One or two abroad and a couple here, just because it didn't feel right and because I wasn't ready to go back in.
"I felt a little bit hurt about being sacked for the first time, if I'm being honest."
Martin is poised to succeed Philippe Clement, who was dismissed in late February.
Barry Ferguson then led the team as interim manager until the season's conclusion.
He guided Rangers to the Europa League quarter-finals and a notable victory over Celtic at Parkhead.
However, Ferguson was not offered a permanent position, paving the way for Martin's appointment.
The former Scotland international had a short spell as a Rangers player in 2018, making 17 appearances.
Reflecting on his time away from football, Martin expressed his eagerness to return, stating his readiness for the challenges ahead.
His previous tenure with the club provides a unique perspective as he steps into his new role.
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