‘The owners will take notice’ – Rangers fans could force 49ers’ hand over Russell Martin sack
Russell Martin is under huge pressure at Rangers, and fans are almost unanimous in wanting him replaced after just three months in charge.
Rangers will need to beat Hearts to secure their first win of the season, on what would be their fifth league game, after four draws in the Scottish Premiership so far.
Beyond results, the football has been awful to watch, and there has been a rift between Martin and star player Nicolas Raskin, with fans taking the midfielder’s side.
New owners 49ers Enterprises have backed Martin despite his struggles at Rangers, but this could change very quickly, and fans could have a huge say over his future.
This article contains exclusive opinion from former Rangers star Derek Ferguson.
Rangers fans could get Russell Martin sacked
The crowd at Ibrox has already booed Martin and some of his decisions, with the home fans delivering a clear verdict that they are unhappy with the choice of manager.
While the Rangers owners may not bow down to the noise just yet, there is a lot of toxicity among the fanbase, and this could eventually play a part if they vote with their feet.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson claimed that if fans started leaving Ibrox early, or did not attend matches, it would force the club to make a decision over Martin.
| Matches | 11 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Points per game | 1.27 |
“Fan power plays a massive part. If the fans are leaving, or not even turning up, that’s money the club are missing out on on merchandise, food, drinks, whatever else it might be,” he explained.
“All that is factored into the budgeting. The owners will take notice of that. You get the feeling that might happen based on what we’ve seen.
“The fans are not happy, and the only way they can show their distaste is to leave early or not turn up, so that’s why it’s so important Martin turns things around.
“He’s had time over this break and simply needs to produce.”
Russell Martin is running out of time
The toxicity at Rangers is the worst it’s been in some time, with this season a potential missed opportunity given Celtic’s own struggles in the transfer market.
Martin was an unpopular appointment from the start, but he could have won the fans over had his side shown any reason to continue backing him.
Rangers have to start winning immediately if he is to continue, but failing to beat Hearts at Ibrox could mean the fans reach boiling point, and there is no more room for error for the former Southampton manager.
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