Martin faces ‘massive’ Rangers test already as Celtic claim made
Rangers kick off their Scottish Premiership season against Motherwell this Saturday, and they’ll be expected to deliver the goods.
Russell Martin has been handed a huge transfer war chest to build a team capable of going blow for blow with Celtic this season.
The new manager has signed several new players. It’s now time to see what they’re made of.
This article includes exclusive comment from former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson.
First three leagues game labelled as ‘massive’ by Derek Ferguson
Rangers face three league fixtures before their first Old Firm derby at Ibrox on 31 August.
These are:
- Motherwell (A), 2 August
- Dundee (H), 9 August
- St Mirren (A), 23 August
All three games look very winnable on paper, but they have been labelled as “massive” by former midfield star Derek Ferguson, not least the Celtic game right at the end of the month.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he explained exactly why these games would prove to be so important, based on early-season results in campaigns gone by.
He said: “These opening games are massive. You look back at recent seasons and we’ve dropped too many points early on.
“You look at the first three fixtures, and Rangers clearly should be winning each of them. Okay, Motherwell is away from home and won’t be easy, but Rangers should have enough about them to get three points from that one and slowly focus on the Celtic game.
“If they’re three from three for that one, we’ll see. We have to keep toe to toe with them so maximum points are a must this month.”
Martin will be under pressure from the very first kick of a ball
Martin was a controversial appointment for some Rangers fans. He wasn’t everyone’s first choice.
He has enjoyed a nice start to his career as Rangers manager, seeing off Panathinaikos in a Champions League qualifying tie, but the SPFL will prove to be his bread and butter.
If he’s already behind Celtic in the league when they visit Ibrox on 31 August, the pressure on him to deliver a result will rise significantly.
| Date | Fixture |
| 2 August | Motherwell (A) |
| 9 August | Dundee (H) |
| 23 August | St Mirren (A) |
| 31 August | Celtic (H) |
It’s perhaps unfair for a new manager to face such intense scrutiny so early in his reign, but that’s the nature of modern football.
Rangers will have played two more European qualifying matches before the Old Firm derby, and there’s every chance that Martin could guide his team into the Champions League group phase.
But that won’t count for anything in the minds of fans on Old Firm derby day. Beating Celtic will always be the main priority for Rangers fans.
That’s why Martin can’t afford a slow start as he bids to win over the fans in his maiden SPL campaign.
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