Michael Stewart moots Russell Martin sack timeline after abysmal Rangers start
Rangers have gotten off to their worst start in 36 years in the William Hill Premiership under Russell Martin.
Rangers drew against St Mirren at the SMiSA Stadium on 24 August, with Findlay Curtis securing a point for the visitors towards the end of the second half.
As things stand, the Light Blues already sit six points behind Celtic in the table after three consecutive league draws to start the 2025/26 campaign.
Martin is feeling the heat at Ibrox as the Glaswegian outfit have endured something they haven’t seen since 1989 in the William Hill Premiership, and time is arguably ticking for the Scotsman to secure his future in G51.
Russell Martin has five games to survive Rangers sack
Martin’s situation at the Gers may depend on the results in the next five games, Michael Stewart says.
The former Scotland international doesn’t see the 39-year-old head coach surviving the sack if things don’t go his way at Ibrox in the coming month.
Stewart feels the environment around Ibrox is already toxic, but it could potentially get unbearable for the ex-Southampton boss soon.
Speaking on the Scottish Football Social Club on 25 August, the former midfielder said: “Martin’s next five games: Brugge, Celtic, Hearts, Hibernian and Livingston. I’m not being funny, Ibrox is already toxic. If he doesn’t get some results, it will be unbearable. And as much as 49ers Enterprises come in and it’s their guy, I’m not sure he can survive if they don’t get results there.”
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Celtic fixture monumental for Russell Martin
If Martin loses to Celtic in the Old Firm derby, things will undoubtedly get untenable for him at the Gers.
The Light Blues already have a significant points disadvantage in the league, and Brendan Rodgers’ team could go nine points clear at the top with a win.
Getting past Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off seems unlikely after the 3-1 loss in the first leg, and while the result at Jan Breydel Stadium might not matter, the one at Ibrox on 31 August certainly will.
- The Gers sit seventh in the league table.
- Under Martin, the Light Blues have conceded 11 goals in nine matches.
- The Scottish manager has managed just three wins so far at the Bears.
Rangers fans have grown frustrated seeing multiple managers come and go after promising to build successful projects in G51.
Martin arguably wasn’t the Ibrox faithful’s first choice after Barry Ferguson left his role as interim head coach, and the recent performances are proving them right.
The players and the new management need to get the supporters on their side or risk mutiny at the Glaswegian outfit.
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