Russell Martin has a huge task on his hands as the new permanent Rangers manager. The club is experiencing its third worst opening in more than six decades. Martin’s first 84 days as chief. Yet so far, he has only managed to guide his side to just three wins from ten matches, leaving supporters and the club’s Consultative Committee worried. The team prepares for their biggest game yet, facing Celtic on August 31. The pressure continues to build with an ever-present potential nine-point gap hanging over the club.
The situation has escalated, particularly after Rangers’ recent draw with St Mirren at the SMiSA Stadium on August 24, where fans expressed their discontent. The team has been hard-pressed to find victories so far, drawing all three of their Scottish Premiership games so far this season. An enormous competitive Clásico against Celtic lies just over the horizon. If Rangers were to lose this evening, they would go nine points adrift of their arch-rivals Celtic.
Discontent Among Fans
As the team’s performance continues to sink, frustration has boiled over to one of the team’s most loyal supporters. At a recent away match in Belgium, fans were recorded loudly chanting for Martin to go. Yet the bankruptcy is revealing something much deeper — a frustrated sea-change from the fans.
Demanding leadership change
The club’s fan advisory board is demanding a leadership change, win or lose against Celtic.
Martin admitted it hasn’t been easy over the past months, but is still focused on his hope for the best for the club. He stated, “I’d describe my relationship with all the players, all the staff as honest, open. I don’t think you can have anything else apart from that.” His claim points to the desire behind his commitment to open dialogue in the organization as they all work through this rocky stretch.
Focused on Improvement
In the face of this growing pressure, Martin reminded me that he is most concerned with working closely with his players and staff. He further added that the players are playing well, adaptable, improving and are learning to cope with the demands of Scottish Premiership football. “Everyone’s here, everyone’s available, and the squad and the team will be picked on what we think is the best way to win the game,” he noted.
Additionally, he addressed concerns regarding player availability, stating, “The whole squad is here, things can change, transfer window’s open, so I can’t tell you anyone’s going to definitely be in the squad or not.” This statement of intent further emphasises his calculated approach as he builds his squad for the imminent battle against Celtic.
Despite recent efforts on the field and the fans’ reaction to them all, following the 2022 season and recent games, Martin knows what’s demanded of him. “It was probably a bit easier in terms of the demands and the noise that comes with it,” he remarked, emphasizing that his primary concern is what those within Rangers think rather than external pressures.
The Road Ahead
So the forthcoming fixture against Celtic not only takes on added significance due to the likely influence on the league table but Martin’s tenure at Rangers. With just three wins in ten matches and a pressing need to reinvigorate team morale, the spotlight will be on Martin and his squad this Sunday at 12:00 pm.
If Rangers were to lose yet again, they could find themselves nine points adrift of Celtic after only four matches into the campaign. The pressure couldn’t be heavier as each squad gets ready for this make or break game. Whatever the outcome, that decision will make or break Martin’s future at the club.
Leave a Reply