Alan Hutton delivers brutal Russell Martin verdict live on air after latest Rangers horror show
Russell Martin's Rangers career has stooped to a new low following the 2-1 defeat to Sturm Graz in Thursday's Europa League clash.
Rangers fans are demanding that Martin be sacked, with the loss in Austria marking Martin's sixth defeat in 16 games at the helm.
Andrew Cavenagh's stance has been unwavering up until this moment, and the 49ers have given every indication that they will stick with Martin, much to the anger of Bears supporters.
However, something must change in Govan, and former Gers defender Alan Hutton has suggested that only one option is available for the 49ers.
Russell Martin must be sacked as Andrew Cavenagh faces big decision
Thursday's defeat to Graz represents the fourth time Rangers have failed to win on foreign soil this season.
- Panathinaikos (30 July): 1-1 D
- Viktoria Plzen (12 August): 2-1 L
- Club Brugge (27 August): 6-0 L
- Sturm Graz (2 October): 2-1 L
Speaking on TNT Sports after the loss in Austria, Hutton and Kenny McLean said they believe that action must be taken to change Rangers' circumstances.
Hutton said: "In my opinion, it can’t continue this way."
McLean added: "They get their first Scottish Premiership win of the season after six attempts, they’ve only scored five goals in the league, and this is really unheard of from a Rangers team."
Rangers' performance in Austria has been ruthlessly criticised, with many journalists and pundits now believing that Martin can't take this team any further.
Sturm Graz took the lead as a result of poor Rangers defending, with Tomi Horvat finishing past Jack Butland after the Light Blues were dispossessed from their own throw-in.
The second goal was even worse as a simple low pass from a free-kick evaded the whole defence and Otar Kiteishvili was on hand to double the hosts' lead before half-time.
Djeidi Gassama's brilliant strike narrowed the deficit to one goal just after the break, yet Rangers couldn't bring themselves back on level terms, despite having a host of chances.
The game epitomised everything that has gone wrong with the Martin era, as defensive mistakes were ruthlessly punished whilst failing to show that same quality in the opposition's box.
The morale around Govan is at an all-time low, an it's up to Cavenagh to ensure that his reputation amongst Gers fans isn't destroyed by the reluctance to sack Martin.
Rangers supporters have had enough of Russell Martin
Since the demoralising loss to Club Brugge, fans have wanted Martin out, and as results have continued to worsen, actions have been taken to put pressure on Cavenagh.
- 20 September - Rangers fans staged a protest ahead of the Premier Sports Cup versus Hibernian
- 25 September - Over 12,000 supporters boycotted the Europa League opener against Genk
- 28 September - Bears fans chant for Martin to be sacked moments after Max Aarons' late winner over Livingston
The current climate at G51 has reached a position that has never been seen before, where virtually all Rangers supporters are united in their view towards one manager.
Cavenagh's persistence in backing Martin is becoming untenable, and further mutiny at Ibrox will ensue should he be in charge for Rangers' next home match versus Dundee United on 18 October.
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