**Russell Martin’s Partner Lucy Pinder Steps into Spotlight with New Rangers Manager**
Russell Martin, recently appointed as the new Rangers manager, is set to usher in a fresh era at Ibrox, and joining him in Glasgow will be his partner, Lucy Pinder. The high-profile couple went public with their relationship last year, drawing attention not only for Martin’s return to a storied Scottish club, but also due to Pinder’s well-documented fame in the UK and beyond.
Martin, aged 39, has signed a three-year contract leading the Rangers after a challenging end to the previous season, which saw the club finish without any major trophies. His return to Rangers marks another chapter in his footballing career, having briefly played for the side in 2018. The move follows the club’s acquisition by a US-based consortium, which is fuelling hopes among supporters that Martin can spark a turnaround in the team’s fortunes.
Pinder, aged 41, is no stranger to the limelight herself. Rising to prominence as a glamour model in the 2000s, she quickly became a household name through her features in top-selling men’s magazines such as FHM, Nuts, and Loaded. Her high profile was established further when she consistently ranked within FHM’s “100 Sexiest Women in the World” on three different occasions.
Over the years, Pinder’s career has spanned far beyond modelling, as she explored roles in television. She has been a presenter on Nuts TV and has made appearances on several UK reality shows, including Celebrity Big Brother and Hell’s Kitchen. Her eclectic career trajectory even saw her dabble in acting, with roles in films like the cult comedy horror *Strippers vs Werewolves* and the disaster movie *Sharknado 5: Global Swarming*.
Media interest in Pinder’s personal life has often run parallel to her professional success. In the past, she was rumoured to have dated Hollywood actor Chris Evans, after being spotted on a casual outing with the *Captain America* star in early 2015. However, after meeting Martin—formerly of Southampton and Swansea City—the two are reported to have become closer during his managerial spell at Southampton, particularly as Pinder is a self-proclaimed fan of the Saints.
Martin’s split from his wife Jasmine, with whom he shares three children, was followed by his blossoming relationship with Pinder. The couple first revealed their relationship on social media, posting a photograph taken in Martin’s hometown of Brighton last August, where he was awarded an honorary degree. A source close to the pair described them as “mad for each other,” suggesting their bond has grown amidst the changes in Martin’s career.
In her social circles, Pinder is also known for her friendship with fellow model Danielle Bux, who is famously the former wife of football pundit Gary Lineker. Pinder and Bux have been seen enjoying evenings together, sharing updates online alongside Martin and Lineker. Despite their divorce in 2016, Bux and Lineker have maintained a strong friendship, which has garnered discussion about modern relationships and co-parenting in the public eye.
Lineker commented on his dynamic with Bux in an interview, stating that while their closeness post-divorce might seem unconventional, their amicable relationship remains a priority for them both. He remarked, “What is normal? Is it better to get divorced and end up fighting, screaming and shouting? Or is it better to get on if you can?”
As the new football season approaches, all eyes will be on Martin’s tenure at Rangers, and, by extension, on Pinder, who is expected to be a regular presence at Ibrox. Both are embarking on fresh chapters—Martin with his high-stakes managerial role and Pinder as a supportive partner, transitioning into a new city and a new chapter of public attention.
With a blend of football ambition and tabloid intrigue, the coming months are likely to see the couple at the heart of sporting and celebrity headlines, navigating both the pressures of top-flight football and the scrutiny that accompanies life in the public domain.