‘Walls surrounding Russell Martin’ as sack demand made at Rangers – ‘Huge problem’ coming
Russell Martin is already under plenty of pressure following a shocking start at Rangers.
Since arriving at Ibrox, Martin appears to have lost the dressing room, with Hamza Igamane’s refusal to play one of several issues, before his exit was sealed.
The former Southampton boss also appears to have upset the apple cart when Nico Raskin was replaced with Joe Rothwell earlier in the season.
However, with the first Old Firm derby of the season against Celtic around the corner, it could be make or break for Martin’s future on Sunday.
Tim Sherwood says Celtic game could be the end for Russell Martin
Defeat to Celtic could mark the end for Martin in Glasgow.
However, the Rangers Fan Advisory Board have called for him to be sacked regardless of the result.
They wrote: “Irrespective of the result on Sunday, it is clear to us the manager should be replaced as a matter of urgency before our justified anger gives way to apathy.”
Their statement has understandably caught the eye, with former Tottenham midfielder Tim Sherwood having his say.
| Position | Club | Points |
| 1. | Celtic | 9 |
| 2. | Hearts | 7 |
| 3. | Hibernian | 4 |
| 4. | Livingston | 4 |
| 5. | Kilmarnock | 3 |
| 6. | Motherwell | 3 |
| 7. | Rangers | 3 |
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (12:43, 30 August), Sherwood said: “Well, a win against Celtic would help, double help. I mean, it’s the only rival up there.
“But the way it’s going at the moment, you’d think there might be another team slipping in between them two this season.
“Celtic have dominated in recent years, I think it looks like they’re gonna do it again, especially after the start that Russell’s had.
“He’s managed to get a big job at Glasgow Rangers. It’s a load of pressure, huge amounts of pressure, so I would suggest if he loses to Celtic, I think the walls will be surrounding him, and he’ll be a really huge problem for him to keep his job.”
Who could Rangers bring in should they sack Russell Martin?
It already feels like Martin can’t retrieve the support of Rangers’ supporters.
The 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge was embarrassing and was a clear sign of everything he has done wrong with Rangers.
Dropping James Tavernier for Max Aarons, who has shown a significant lack of care, is shocking, and his lack of faith in experienced Rangers players means the jig is likely to be up for Martin.
Steven Gerrard has been linked with a return and would be a smart managerial change for the Light Blues.
Alternatively, serial winner Jose Mourinho is now available after leaving Turkish side Fenerbahce.
Regardless of who comes, the football can’t get much worse than what it has been under Martin.
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