Russell Martin ‘set for swift Rangers backlash’ after Ibrox gamble
Rangers fans could potentially turn on Russell Martin immediately at Ibrox amid preparations at St George’s Park.
The Gers are coming off an underwhelming campaign after sacking Philippe Clement, and Barry Ferguson is taking interim charge.
Martin is now expected to compete with Celtic for major honours next season, with Kevin Thelwell working hard on bolstering the Light Blues’ squad.
The Scottish manager’s decision regarding the starting lineup will be fascinating, with more reinforcements likely to arrive at Ibrox before the end of August.
James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers gamble could backfire for Martin at Rangers
Martin could potentially be taking a gamble if he relies on James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers next season, Four Lads says.
Stevie Clifford believes that if the right-back and striker are part of the former Southampton manager’s plans, and things go wrong, he may face swift backlash at Ibrox.
Four Lads thinks that with Butland also likely to remain Martin’s number one at the Light Blues, there’s a possibility the supporters will express their disdain soon.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 55 | 29 | 7 |
Clifford wrote in The Rangers Review (14 July): “If Martin persists with both Dessers up front and Tavernier at full-back, two players whose contributions continue to divide opinion, the backlash will be swift should things go wrong early. It’s a gamble the manager must weigh carefully.
“Add to that the likelihood of Butland remaining number one, and there’s a weight of responsibility resting on players who, fairly or not, are seen by many supporters as part of the recent failings.”
Martin could be forced to play Dessers at Ibrox
AEK Athens are interested in Cyriel Dessers, and while the Gers seem to be open to the idea of selling him, the striker’s valuation has put off the Greek outfit for now.
The Gers have made several additions to Martin’s squad, but a new number nine hasn’t arrived yet despite an apparent need for one.
Max Aarons will arguably compete with Tavernier for a place in the starting lineup, and it’s now up to the Bournemouth loanee to make the most of his opportunities.
As for Dessers, there evidently isn’t much competition for the number nine position.
Hamza Igamane’s potential exit to LOSC Lille may also force Martin to stick with the Nigerian striker in his starting lineup unless a quality goalscorer is signed.
Danilo is injury-prone, and unless the Gers reinforce their attack, Dessers is seemingly likely to be the preferred striker next season.
Sign up for the Ibrox News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Rangers news sent straight to your phone.