Chris Jack shares huge Russell Martin claim as Rangers fans to decide future
Russell Martin may not have the luxury of time at Rangers after a poor start to the campaign.
The Scottish manager has seen the Gers get off to their worst start in the league in over four decades, with many fans calling for his sacking.
Martin seems to have the backing of the Ibrox hierarchy, but it feels like a matter of time before his situation in G51 becomes untenable.
The 6-0 loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off was damaging for the 39-year-old head coach, and his situation in Glasgow could potentially be out of the board’s hands.
Rangers board can’t stop Russell Martin sack if things don’t change
While the Gers’ hierarchy are putting their weight behind Martin, it won’t matter if results don’t improve, Chris Jack says.
The Scottish journalist believes the upcoming set of fixtures are “absolutely huge” for the former Southampton boss as results are urgently needed at Ibrox.
If the Scottish head coach can’t turn things around soon, supporters in G51 may take matters into their own hands regarding the manager’s future.
Speaking on The Rangers Review on 9 September, Jack said: “This next tranche of matches for Martin is absolutely huge. I know he can say he’s got the backing of the board, and it’s a long-term process, and everybody’s bought and everyone’s on the same page. Thelwell reaffirmed that in the RangersTV interview last week. That’s fine at the time.
“If you now go a couple of games and you’ve not picked up the points and you’ve not played well and there’s still no signs that this is getting any better, all the interviews and soundbites in the world don’t mean anything because Rangers fans will decide for themselves what the future holds for this manager.”
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Russell Martin has three games to save Ibrox career
Martin arguably has a massive test against Hearts at Ibrox on 13 September, and the home fans will certainly turn the mood toxic if they don’t see an immediate change in the Gers’ approach.
The Light Blues then face Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup on 20 September, and it could potentially be one of the few trophies they can realistically win this season.
After being knocked out of the Champions League, the Glaswegian outfit have Genk to deal with in the Europa League group stage on 25 September.
- Martin has a 27 per cent win rate at the Gers.
- The Scottish manager has won just three of his 11 games in charge at the Light Blues.
- The Bears have conceded 17 goals this season.
Rangers may not be able to justify keeping Martin in charge if they can’t manage positive results and performances in the next three matches.
The Gers fans were promised better times under the ownership of Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, and while there has been significant investment in the team, the displays on the pitch are the same.
It will be interesting to see whether the board will risk fan mutiny in G51 in favour of giving the Scottish manager more time.
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