Ray Parlour sums up Russell Martin woes in one word as big-name Rangers appointment claim made
Russell Martin is facing increased supporter unrest as Rangers’ flagging campaign hit a new low on Thursday.
Rangers were beaten 2-1 by Sturm Graz in the Europa League, to leave the Light Blues without a point from two games in the league phase.
The Light Blues have just five wins from 17 competitive fixtures played under Martin, with Rangers enduring their worst start to a season in over 40 years.
Martin was heckled in Rangers’ 2-1 win at Livingston and things showed little sign of improving during the defeat in Austria.
Parlous delivers blunt assessment of Martin’s struggles
Ray Parlour didn’t hold back when assessing Martin’s difficult start to the season in Scotland.
Speaking on talkSPORT about the uncertainty around his position, the former Arsenal midfielder was blunt in his assessment, describing the situation as a “farce”.
Parlour added: “I don’t know how long he gives Russell. I don’t like people being sacked, but I don’t know what’s happening up there at the moment.
“I don’t think they were really into him before he got the job; they were looking at bigger names.
“If he wins his first six games, they get behind him, but they’re getting worse.”
Martin has done little to show Rangers supporters he can turn around the situation at Ibrox and there is little clamour for him to continue in the role.
- Five wins in 16 games
- Five goals in six league games
- One win in six league games
Rangers have not had a start this bad since 1978-79, when they had no league wins after six games, a run that included four losses.
Rangers equalled a 128-year record on Thursday as they made it 22 away games without a clean sheet.
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McCoist draws Amorim comparison with Martin
It is no secret that Martin is facing an increasingly difficult situation at Ibrox.
Supporters have quickly grown frustrated with what they perceive to be a style of play that is not conducive to getting the best out of the squad he has.
Gers legend Ally McCoist, speaking on TNT Sports, likened what is happening at Ibrox to the situation Ruben Amorim finds himself at Manchester United.
McCoist said: “You can argue it’s the same situation with Amorim at Manchester United.
“He likes to play that way, that’s fine, as long as you have the players to play that way. It doesn’t matter what team you’re coaching.
“You have to adapt to your players, and play a formation that suits them, not you. Recruitment has been poor. Not just this season.”
Martin could become Rangers’ shortest-serving permanent manager if the situation does not improve. As things stand, it is difficult to see how he makes a valid claim to continue in the role.
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