Rangers Football Club is deep into a disastrous start to the Scottish Premiership season as new manager Russell Martin tries to steady the ship. The men’s league team is struggling, having drawn their opening two games against Motherwell and Dundee. Consequently, they find themselves four points adrift of their Old Firm neighbours, Celtic. The club suffers crippling losses in the early days, but Martin refuses to back down. He is juggling executing his new vision for the team’s playing style, while catering to what this large and passionate Rangers fanbase expects.
Rangers have been bright at times in their opening games, but this attack-heavy style left them waiting for a breakthrough that didn’t come. Supporters are understandably concerned about the recent draws. For that reason, they desire instant success, further compounded by their club’s extensive history and tradition, and the immense pressure that follows. Last week, Rangers played against Viktoria Plzen, further complicating their early-season momentum as they prepare for a crucial playoff against either Salzburg or Club Brugge if they manage to advance.
The first transparent ownership structure that Rangers have ever had in place has been applauded. It’s not only supposed to help build a strong base for the club’s future. This amendment comes on the heels of a period of significant boardroom action. The past two to three years have been especially chaotic. Michael Beale, formerly grouped in the Gerrard assistant coach tree, was the secret architect behind that enjoyable spell where the team won 18 of 20 matches. Here’s hoping he gets that stability as Rangers aide him on their rebuilding process.
Beale acknowledged the challenges faced by Martin in his new role, stating, “Patience is not a great word that’s listened to or heard in Glasgow, but that’s what he needs.” This seemingly offhand comment turns out to be the bell tolling on the very dramatic feeling mood that permeates the club. Yet fans, accustomed to victory, readily get impatient when the results don’t meet demands.
Still, despite the pressure, Beale doesn’t shy away from putting high expectations on Martin’s shoulders. So I don’t know that we’ve seen the full extent of what Russell Martin’s group can do,” he added. This announcement expresses optimism about the team’s direction and ability to grow. They have been able to address short-term issues on the pitch and long-term player development.
Russell Martin is looking to introduce a clear identity of football that suits his philosophy and ideas on how the game should be played. First he needs to get through the low tolerance and high standards of Rangers’ fanbase who require nothing less than the best and instant success. The Rangers’ path hasn’t been easy in the past 10 years. Fans remain profoundly attuned to the club’s past glories and future ambitions.
The present ownership represents an emerging class of Rangers. With this stability in place, the team ensured it could look to long-term progress rather than short-term impetus. The recent changes in leadership may allow Martin more time to adapt and instill his philosophy within the squad without the immediate threat of dismissal.
Leave a Reply