Russell Martin at ‘maximum point of danger’ as Rangers sack could be days away
Rangers are set to enter a huge part of their season, as Russell Martin looks to turn the tide at Ibrox.
Martin is set to be backed by the Rangers board, despite having failed to win any of their first four Scottish Premiership games.
The closing of the transfer window followed by the international break has allowed Martin to reset, with Rangers desperate to kickstart their season now.
Celtic’s dismal transfer window has perhaps given Rangers the opportunity to challenge for the title, yet Martin needs his team to click into gear as soon as possible.
Russell Martin enters must-win territory for Rangers
Journalist Keith Jackson, speaking via the Daily Record’s Hotline Live on 10 September, is unsure of Martin’s future at Rangers should they fail to beat to league leaders Hearts on Saturday.
He said: “Russell Martin can’t afford another slip-up and Hearts are absolutely flying under Derek McInnes.
“After five games, he could be at his maximum point of danger in terms of his job credentials.
“Come the final whistle on Saturday, if he hasn’t got a win, then he’s in serious, serious trouble.”
Following the match against Hearts, Rangers have a crucial run of games that could define their season.
| Team | Competition | Date |
| Hearts (h) | Scottish Premiership | 13 September |
| Hibs (h) | Scottish League Cup | 20 September |
| Genk (h) | Europa League | 25 September |
| Livingston (a) | Scottish Premiership | 28 September |
| Sturm Graz (a) | Europa League | 2 October |
Matches in three different competitions could see Martin get the season back on track, or it could result in more fans calling for him to be sacked.
Derek Cornelius and Youssef Chermiti could make debuts against Hearts
Cornelius’ stunning free-kick for Canada against Wales means that he joins Rangers with confidence flowing through his veins.
With Nasser Djiga struggling at the back, Cornelius looks nailed on to come into the starting lineup, partnering Scotland international John Souttar.
Rangers used the money gained from Hamza Igamane to invest in Chermiti, who joined from Everton, where he failed to score a single goal for them.
Despite Miovski probably being the favourite to start against Hearts, Chermiti will likely be called upon from the subs bench.
Rangers fans will be hoping their young marquee signing can live up to the hype that was bestowed upon him during his time at Sporting.
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