Rangers to hold Derek McInnes talks as Russell Martin ‘nightmare’ emerges
Rangers could potentially knock on the doors of Derek McInnes amid struggles under Russell Martin.
The Scottish manager was appointed by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises last summer, but he hasn’t had the best start to the season, winning just three of his 11 games in charge.
Kevin Thelwell is backing Martin for the time being, but there is a sense among the hierarchy that things need to change quickly.
Hearts are set to travel to Ibrox on 13 September as players return from the international break, and the former Southampton boss arguably has a crunch tie ahead of him.
Rangers to return for Derek McInnes after Russell Martin struggles
McInnes may be someone the Gers will approach to be their manager in the future, Ryan Stevenson says.
The ex-Hearts midfielder believes the Light Blues made a mistake by appointing Martin instead of the former Kilmarnock boss at Ibrox.
For now, though, McInnes could be the Glaswegian outfit’s “worst nightmare” as the Jambos make their way to G51 to maintain their six-point lead over the Bears.
Stevenson wrote in the Daily Record on 9 September: “I just think Rangers have missed the boat with [McInnes]. Funnily enough, I genuinely think they will end up knocking on his door at some point, but right now he’s their worst nightmare as he’ll be absolutely dying for his team to put on a performance.”
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Russell Martin sack on cards: Who could replace him?
Martin is undoubtedly villain number one for the Ibrox faithful, with many supporters already wanting to see the back of the Scotsman.
The 6-0 loss to Club Brugge in the second leg of the Champions League play-off may have been the final straw for a lot of fans, and the 39-year-old head coach’s situation seems untenable.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Glaswegian outfit sack the ex-Saints boss if Hearts take the three points at Ibrox.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 11 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
Jose Mourinho has tenuously been linked with Rangers, and the Portuguese manager is now free after being sacked by Fenerbahce.
Mark van Bommel also confirmed he had held talks to take over at Ibrox before Martin’s appointment, and the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona star could potentially be a candidate for the Gers once again.
As for McInnes, he has long been associated with the Light Blues, but it remains to be seen whether the Scotsman will ever take charge in G51.
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