Russell Martin and 49ers sack certainty emerges amid ‘terrible’ Rangers situation
Russell Martin has had a disastrous start to life as Rangers manager, and plenty of fans are now calling for him to be sacked.
Martin has been in charge for just three months, but in that time the Gers have failed to win any of their four league games, while Rangers also suffered humiliation in Champions League qualifying.
Rangers were taken over by a new ownership and director in the summer which led to Martin’s arrival, and they are clearly determined to back their man, with Kevin Thelwell reportedly threatening to walk if Martin is dismissed.
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises are facing a tough situation over Martin’s future, but for now, it seems that they will give him more time to turn things around.
This article contains exclusive opinion from former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson.
49ers set to stand by Russell Martin for now
Fans at Ibrox booed Martin after Rangers’ last game, a drab 0-0 draw with Celtic, and they have taken Nicolas Raskin’s side amid an ongoing rift with Martin.
It is clear that Rangers fans are unhappy with Martin, and most believe that he should be dismissed already.
However, speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson believes it is a certainty the owners will stand behind Martin, despite the negativity towards him from the fanbase.
“It’s clearly not been good enough so far, and the fans in general are not having him. But the 49ers employed him and they will give him time – that much is for certain,” he said.
| Matches | 11 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Points per game | 1.27 |
“How long will the fans be willing to put up with it? It’ll be interesting to see in the coming weeks what happens.
“The fans have already bought their season tickets, but with the way things are going, fans will start to vote with their feet. We don’t want that.
“It’s terrible because I think of Russell Martin as a family – partner, kids, parents, whatever – and it’s a horrible situation.
“For me, when I’m out and about and bumping into Rangers supporters, I’ve yet to meet one who’s behind him. But that’s down to him and the results.
“He’s got a short period of time to turn this around, but right now it’s looking pretty bleak.”
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Rangers throwing away a golden opportunity with Russell Martin
Celtic are also in disarray after weakening their squad during the transfer window, and their fans are very unhappy with the way the board is managing their club.
This could have been the perfect chance for Rangers to take advantage of their dire situation and storm ahead of them in the league. Instead, they are giving Martin more time, delaying the inevitable unless he can miraculously find some winning form.
Had Rangers chosen their manager more carefully, they could have won the last Old Firm, and taken the initiative in the title race. Now, they will likely fall further behind with Martin, and will have more ground to catch up if he is dismissed further down the line anyway.
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