‘Russell Martin has already broken Rangers non-negotiable’ as he goes back on his own word
Russell Martin has had a wretched start to life as Rangers manager.
Rangers’ latest League Cup victory against Alloa Athletic has done nothing but suppress the major concerns that are still lingering over Ibrox.
The Light Blues have been starved of much domestic success ever since the departure of Steven Gerrard, and Martin was the one tasked with changing that this summer.
However, Rangers’ winless start in the Scottish Premiership has cast serious doubts over his ability to achieve that, and the Gers boss has already been called out over past remarks.
Rangers pressure is getting to Martin
Martin will be no stranger to the level of pressure that is intensifying at Ibrox, having experienced similar before his sacking at Southampton.
Throughout his time with the Saints, he was stubborn, but more than anything, he failed to win games because of his unwillingness to adapt to the situation.
That has been no different at Ibrox, with Gary Keown rightfully pointing out how the 39-year-old has gone back on his own words three months after being appointed at Rangers.
Martin’s record after seven games at Ibrox.
- Three wins
- Three draws
- One loss
Writing via the Scottish Mail on Sunday (17 August, pg90), Keown said: “Martin is quite correct to state that outside noise should be blocked out as much as possible.
“How committed the Rangers head coach is to that ethos, though, has to be open to question given his admission he’s been in touch with Andy Halliday in the wake of his former Ibrox team-mate’s midweek take-down of his tactics.
“Martin insists he is fine with people expressing opinions on the game, and that’s good, if true, because it’s going to happen whether you like it or not.”
Martin is heading for the sack at Rangers already
Celtic show no remorse domestically, and with Rangers already dropping four points in their first two league games, they are already playing catch-up.
The 49ers have backed Martin this summer, and look set to continue to do so, and if that doesn’t translate to success, it will not be long until he faces the axe.
Rangers’ expectations are high, but they are not unreasonable for a team with their tools and stature, and yet Martin is failing to utilise those to his advantage.
St. Mirren are the opponents next in the Scottish Premiership, and a failure to pick up all three points in that game will see the pressure ramp up to a whole new level on the Light Blues’ boss.
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