Rangers Football Club is in crisis following a disastrous opening to the Scottish Premiership season. That would be their worst result since 1978! After Russell Martin replaced the beloved Swans legend Steve Cooper this summer, the team has won just four out of fourteen games. In response, divisions between the club’s supporters have deepened, leading to protests outside of Ibrox Stadium. The calls for accountability have grown louder, especially directed at Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart.
On September 20, 2025, supporters staged protests prior to the League Cup game against Hibernian. These protests underscored their growing frustration and anger. Many fans expressed their frustrations over the club’s recent performances, which included a disappointing 1-0 loss to Genk in the Europa League just days before. The team looks forward to its exciting next matchup scheduled for Sunday, September 28. At the same time, pressure is increasing on union-busting management.
Protests at Ibrox
Outside Ibrox Stadium, fans expressed their outrage ahead of the important Quarter-Final cup tie with Hibernian. The atmosphere was charged as supporters gathered to call for Martin and Stewart’s dismissal, highlighting their dissatisfaction with the club’s direction.
Though the criticism continues to build, Russell Martin has been undeterred, and insists he’s had encouragement from the right people. The remarks came after his post-match chats with a major shareholder, following both matches at home. He’s hopeful that the board will deliver their support.
“So as long as I feel in here, the staff, the players, the supporting team around all of it, as long as I feel they’re here, they’re with us, we’re together, which I really feel, then I’ll be happy and I’ll really trust that we have a good process and good people, the outcome will follow.” – Russell Martin
Martin’s time on the Hill has been one of high profile missteps as he leads the Volunteers through a tumultuous 2023 campaign. The former Scotland defender admitted the first serious questions will be asked over Stewart’s leadership if results don’t improve rapidly.
Struggles on the Pitch
Rangers have thus come under fire from fans and many former professionals as well. Pundits are ringing alarm bells, warning of the club’s general direction. Their on-field performance has recently faced increased criticism after dropping extremely important points early on this season.
That mounting pressure was on full display as Martin’s supporters chanted him out during Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Genk. The devastating recent loss has only increased calls for change at the club’s highest levels. As time drags on, fans are becoming more curious and impatient with the status quo.
“If you leave it too much longer, you’ll start running out of games,” – Russell Martin
Martin is cognizant of the sense of urgency to get things back on track. He felt that the squad needed to get “extremely ravenous” in their desire to raise their rightful position within the hierarchy of the league. He is hopeful for the future, but understands that we need to act now or we will be left in the dust by our competitors.
Looking Ahead
As Rangers head into their match against Hibernian, Martin is focused on changing the story about the club. And so he has this terrific sense that not only every game matters, but there’s zero margin for error… right?
“We want to be at the top of the table at the end of the season,” – Russell Martin
He doesn’t pull any punches about the cutthroat world of football management in 2019, reminding that no manager is beyond reproach and expectation.
“If you’re a football manager now, your job’s under threat wherever you work, all the time. Such is the world and such is the industry; it’s brutal,” – Russell Martin
Despite those obstacles, Martin is committed to assembling a winning team that can compete for longterm success. More than anything he believes in his process. He has challenged his players and staff to come together as one unit to finish the season on a high note.
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