Russell Martin admits to Rangers mistake but is ‘more hurt’ by Southampton experience
Russell Martin has admitted he would have done certain things differently if given his time again at Rangers, but was “more hurt” by his Southampton sacking.
Rangers parted company with Martin in October after just 17 games in charge at Ibrox, having only been appointed in the summer.
The Gers did not win a league game until late September and they were thrashed 9-1 on aggregate by Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifying playoffs.
Danny Rohl has just about steadied the ship at Rangers, but the fallout from Martin’s short tenure in Glasgow is still being felt.
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Russell Martin opens up on big Rangers mistake
Martin was speaking in a rare interview since being sacked by Rangers on BBC 5 Live’s Monday Night Club.
The 40-year-old did not have long at all to win over Rangers fans, who were on his back pretty much from the off due to a serious of dreadful displays and results.
A 1-1 draw at Falkirk proved to be the final straw, with the former Scotland international needing a police escort to get away from the stadium.
Asked if he would do things any different had he had his chance again, Martin said: “I’d probably try to change less so quickly.
“I’d have kept some of the group that understood what it took. They might not have been perfect for what you required, but they understood the demands of playing for a football club of that size.
“We had a lot of players that just didn’t know, and then it hits you. I’d have gone for less change so quickly and tried the transition a bit slower.”
Martin has only managed three previous sides – MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton. He took the latter up to the English Premier League but struggled when getting there.
Asked about his exit from St Mary’s in December 2024, Martin said: “I was more hurt than I was at Rangers, where I didn’t really have time to do anything.”
Martin already pulling the wool over people’s eyes
Martin has always been a good speaker, which is what helped him land the Rangers job in the first place.
However, it seems he is working his magic once again on the basis of his interview with the Beeb. Many took to social media to praise Martin and suggest it is clear why he still has a top career ahead of him.
Anyone who saw his short spell at Rangers, however, plus his time in the Premier League with Southampton, will tell you differently.
Martin somehow continues to be linked with some half-decent jobs, despite his atrocious failing in Glasgow.
Rohl has shown in a similar length of time what was capable with this group – albeit some players were added in January – with Martin being put to shame.
He will be back in work before too long, but Rangers fans will pray it is nowhere near Ibrox.
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