Russell Martin could finally make Rangers change after new reveal he will have seen
Russell Martin’s reign at Rangers has been a disaster so far, and his tactics have been criticised.
The manager has a way of playing which he has stubbornly refused to change at any of the clubs he has been at, and Martin’s teams have regularly been carved open defensively as a result.
Rangers finally won in the Scottish Premiership with an unconvincing victory at Livingston, but the first half saw the visitors play some of their best football all season.
While Martin’s time at Ibrox could come to an early end with the Rangers fans completely against him, one welcome change may now be in the works.
Andy Halliday spots Rangers tactical change
The first half saw Rangers open up Livingston on several occasions, with Bojan Miovski missing a huge chance after being played through on goal.
Under Martin, Rangers have typically played a slow possession game, with the ball often recycled in their own defensive third, but there was a more direct intent on display for sections of the game against Livingston.
| Games managed | 15 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Win percentage | 30% |
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has now pointed out that Martin could be shifting styles to play more direct and get in behind, in a surprise move.
“Russell Martin said after the game that it was the best they’ve played in the first half, I think it’s hard to disagree,” Halliday stated on the Open Goal Podcast.
“I wonder if he might look at it as the most direct passes they’ve played, and he sees the success they were getting from playing in behind, which I’m sure they will.”
Martin tactical change his last hope at Rangers
Rangers fans are fed up with Martin, and they even booed him after a win, with it clear that it is simply beyond winning football games that could save his job.
Martin has failed to buy into Rangers as a club, failing to follow club traditions, disrespecting the fans and refusing to take accountability.
His style is so far away from what Rangers are used to, as a club that prioritises results over performance, and aims to play direct.
If Martin switches style away from his own to a more direct game, which could see Rangers attack with more speed and intensity, then this may be the only way to convince the fans that he may be worth sticking with a bit longer.
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