Derek Ferguson moots how Rangers fans can accelerate Russell Martin sacking
Rangers could potentially be forced into a change after what’s been seen from Russell Martin at Ibrox.
The Scottish manager saw his team lose 3-1 to Club Brugge in the first leg of the Champions League play-off on 19 August.
Nicky Hayen’s team arguably destroyed the Gers after scoring three goals in the opening 20 minutes of the fixture, with Nasser Djiga looking almost clueless at Ibrox.
Martin may only have until the Old Firm derby to prove himself at the Glaswegian outfit, as the pressure continues to mount on him after consistently poor displays.
Rangers fans can accelerate Russell Martin sacking
Martin has to take responsibility after shambolic defending from set-pieces by the Gers, Derek Ferguson says.
The Bears icon believes the Light Blues are going to struggle to win games unless the Scottish manager makes some changes at Ibrox.
While Ferguson doesn’t feel the Glaswegian outfit will sack the 39-year-old head coach just yet, that may change as fans vote with their feet after leaving the stadium during the loss to Brugge.
Speaking on Open Goal, the Scotsman said: “It’s set-pieces, corner kicks, we look a shambles. Again, that’s on the manager. We continue to give the opposition so many chances. And there’s only going to be one outcome. They’re not going to win games.
“No. I don’t think they will sack him. But that may change because the fans may change that. Because you’re seeing them leave after 20 minutes.”
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Billy Dodds is surprised to see fans turn on Martin eight games into the season.
The supporters have endured several years of failure under the previous ownership and arguably lack the patience to give another project time in G51.
When the former Southampton manager arrived at Ibrox, he must have known that he had to get off to a positive start to turn the mood around the Glaswegian outfit.
| Statistics | Rangers | Brugge |
| Possession | 53% | 47% |
| xG | 1.26 | 1.01 |
| Total shots | 15 | 10 |
| Shots on target | 1 | 7 |
| Keeper saves | 4 | 0 |
While it’s true Martin needs time to implement his ideas at Rangers, the recent performances haven’t been encouraging.
The seemingly embarrassing display in the opening 45 minutes against Brugge should be enough to make the Scottish manager reconsider his approach.
Unless the new head coach learns from his recent mistakes, there may be no future for him at Ibrox beyond the turn of the year.
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