Russell Martin sack on the cards as ‘nuclear fallout’ mooted at Rangers
Russell Martin’s start to life as Rangers manager has been far from ideal, with them failing to win their first two SPFL games.
Both Dundee and Motherwell have taken points off Gers in what has been an underwhelming August domestically.
Even in the Scottish League Cup against Alloa Athletic, the Ibrox outfit struggled but managed to win 4-2.
Hugh Keevins issues Martin sack verdict
After plenty of deliberation in the summer, the hierarchy opted to hire Martin as the new manager.
Davide Ancelotti seemed to be the frontrunner, but he did not get the job.
Instead, despite his poor stint at Southampton, the owners believed that the former Gers player would be the right man for the job.
Thus far, his domestic record has been far from impressive and the Daily Record’s Hugh Keevins believes that his position could be untenable if Celtic win the Old Firm clash.
Martin’s side take on Celtic at the end of August and pressure can mount on Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises should that game end with the Hoops winning.
- Martin has not yet won in the SPFL
- Dundee and Motherwell have both taken points off Rangers
- Celtic are already four points clear on the table
Keevins wrote on 17 August: “It is the possibility of the nuclear fallout from an Old Firm defeat, which puts a double-digit gap between the sides, that is the only reason for putting the Champions League second on Rangers list of priorities.
“Martin’s position, bizarre as it may seem to those not born and brought up in the Old Firm’s singular environment, would become untenable in the eyes of many if a derby defeat occurred.
“An underwhelming appointment for some would become an overwhelming disappointment for most.
“Andrew Cavanagh and the 49ers Enterprises consortium would come under sustained pressure to review the cataclysmic collapse of the transition from old school leadership at Ibrox to the new frontier of American ownership.”
Rangers fans may turn on Martin
Rangers are unlikely to sack Martin in September due to his recent appointment in June and the board’s commitment to a long-term vision following a major squad overhaul.
Sacking him so early would disrupt the ongoing project, especially after his success in Europe thus far.
However, a double-digit deficit to Celtic by September could ignite significant fan unrest, given the intense rivalry and Celtic’s dominance, having won 13 of the last 14 titles.
Fans are already sceptical of Martin’s appointment, citing his lacklustre Premier League stint and possession-heavy style that falters under pressure.
Should the gap widen, the board will likely demand rapid improvement to appease fans, as Martin’s failure to challenge Celtic could jeopardise his tenure.
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