Credit: Imago

Joe Elvin

Fri 15 August 2025 13:10, UK

Russell Martin has taken charge of six games for Rangers, and it’s not exactly going to plan for the former Southampton boss so far.

The Light Blues have squeaked through two rounds of Champions League qualifying, but dropped points in both of their Scottish Premiership games.

First, they conceded a late equaliser at Fir Park to draw 1-1 with Motherwell, then they had to rely on a late penalty to save a 1-1 home draw against Dundee

Martin asked Rangers fans to be patient after that game, but that’s not the way it works in Scotland, and he knows it.

This article includes exclusive comment from former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson

Derek Ferguson is already concerned by Russell Martin’s Rangers

Celtic have won both of their opening league fixtures, meaning Rangers are already four points behind their rivals.

However, the Gers are just one game away from the Champions League group stage. They take on Club Brugge in the playoff match, with the first leg taking place at Ibrox on Tuesday.

• Read more: How much Rangers can earn for Champions League qualification as expert reveals all – ‘Crazy’

Still, former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson admits he’s already concerned by what he’s seeing on the pitch from Martin’s team.

Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, he said: “I’m concerned, to be honest. Over the past number of years now, Rangers have been good in Europe, but we’ve been found wanting domestically, and it seems nothing has changed.

“Martin has come in and knows teams will sit in a low block and defend for their lives. We need to find a way to prevent that.

“We shouldn’t have taken any points against Motherwell on the opening day – they were far better and deserved all three points – and then a struggling Dundee side held them.”

Martin is quickly learning the harsh reality of the Rangers hotseat

Martin is making a habit of subtly blaming the previous regime when things don’t get his way at Rangers.

He’s hinted at a poor dressing culture multiple times, and he may have a fair point.

Rangers have finished miles behind Celtic in the last couple of seasons, and most of the problems at the club can’t be blamed on him.

However, that doesn’t hide the fact that he had more than enough quality to pick up comfortable wins against Motherwell and Dundee.

He is quickly learning that the fans will expect him to beat these teams 100 times out of 100, even if that is an unrealistic target.

If he doesn’t want to lose the fanbase, he’ll need to find a way to progress against Club Brugge and pick up a positive result in the upcoming Old Firm Derby.

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