‘The only thing I find sad’ – Russell Martin fights back after what Rangers fans have done
Russell Martin’s tenure at Rangers has started off in the worst possible way.
Martin’s Rangers future is in doubt, with the Bears only recording their first Scottish Premiership win in their 2-1 win over Livingston on Sunday.
The diabolical Champions League playoff exit to Club Brugge saw the first group of fans call for Martin to be sacked, with that number growing exponentially over September.
Max Aarons’ last-gasp winner should have been a moment of unbridled joy, yet Rangers fans immediately began chanting for Martin to be sacked.
Russell Martin expresses sadness at abuse he faces
Fan protests in the last two home games at Ibrox against Hibernian and Genk have added to the unrest in Govan.
Martin isn’t the only figurehead to be targeted, with Patrick Stewart and Kevin Thelwell also on the receiving end of fan anger.
On October 1, Martin spoke out about the abuse he’s faced from Rangers fans ahead of the Bears’ Europa League clash against Sturm Graz.
He said: “The only thing I find sad is when I see the kids standing next to their dads and sticking their fingers up at me and swearing at me. I don’t feel particularly sad about it for me. I just feel like for the cycle to go on and to understand, like, I’m here.
“We’ve made mistakes. There’s been some tough moments, but we’re giving everything we’ve got to improve the club. As is Kevin, as is Patrick, as are the owners.”
| Games managed | 15 |
| Goals scored | 19 |
| Goals conceded | 20 |
| WIns | 5 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Win percentage | 33 |
It’s not just the results on the pitch that have led to widespread anger, as off the pitch decisions have been scrutinised just as much.
Thelwell’s irresponsible spending in the transfer window has left Martin with a squad that is lacking leadership and and a strong mentality, something that has never usually been associated with Rangers.
The breaking news that Thelwell has appointed his son Robbie as the new head of recruitment in Govan has been heavily criticised, with fans claiming that nepotism has played a big part in his arrival.
The pressure increases on Andrew Cavenagh to make a decision regarding Martin’s future as discontent grows by the minute in G51.
With abuse continuing to mount following every result, Rangers’ next match at Ibrox on October 18 versus Dundee United could see a different manager in the dugout.
Russell Martin must secure two wins vs Sturm Graz and Falkirk
Rangers face two pivotal matches ahead of the upcoming international break.
Martin bought himself a stay of execution during the late win versus Livingston, and a loss against Sturm Graz in the Europa League would be disastrous.
Should Rangers get through the tough test in Austria, another away trip looms, as the Bears travel to Falkirk on 5 October.
Rangers have lost two of their past three visits to Falkirk, and despite the hosts sitting in 11th place in the Scottish Premiership, they know that the Rangers defence is hardly impenetrable.
This feels like a real make-or-break moment for Martin’s Rangers career, and it’s up to him to rise to the challenge.
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