Russell Martin’s Disastrous Rangers Start Sparks Fan Fury
A Historic Low for Rangers Under Russell Martin
Another dismal performance, another day of frustration for Rangers fans. Russell Martin’s tenure at Ibrox has begun in disastrous fashion, with three winless games leaving the club languishing in seventh place, already six points adrift of their rivals. This is the worst start to a league season for any permanent Rangers manager in history—a damning indictment of the current situation.
Yet, Martin’s outward demeanor suggests unshaken confidence. After the latest setback, a 1-1 draw against St Mirren, there was no admission of responsibility—only criticism of his players for failing to execute his ideas. The growing disconnect between the manager and his squad is palpable, raising serious questions about his leadership.
A Squad in Disarray
One of the most concerning issues is player commitment. Martin publicly questioned Hamza Igamane’s attitude after the striker reportedly claimed injury when called upon as a substitute. Whether this is a veiled deflection or a genuine concern, it underscores deeper problems within the squad.
Recruitment has also come under scrutiny. Rangers had the chance to strengthen wisely during the summer but instead opted for questionable signings. Joe Rothwell’s role remains unclear, while Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez have failed to solidify a shaky defense. Meanwhile, missed opportunities—such as failing to secure Scott McKenna or re-signing Vaclav Cerny—highlight poor decision-making.
Up front, the situation is dire. With Cyriel Dessers injured and Danilo inconsistent, Rangers lacked a natural striker against St Mirren. The desperate pursuit of Bojan Miovski on loan speaks volumes about their striking crisis.
Tactical and Mental Frailties
Martin’s tactical approach has been heavily criticized. Possession-heavy football means little without penetration, and Rangers’ lack of creativity has rendered their style tedious and ineffective. Defensively, they are a disaster—individual errors, poor communication, and a complete absence of leadership have left them vulnerable to even modest attacks.
Against St Mirren, their weaknesses were glaring. A simple two-pass move from St Mirren’s penalty area cut through hesitant defending, leading to a goal that perfectly illustrated Rangers’ defensive frailty. Stephen Robinson outmaneuvered Martin with ease, underscoring the tactical shortcomings that plague this side.
Fan Backlash and Boardroom Silence
The frustration among supporters has reached a boiling point. Boos rang out at full-time, a recurring theme this season. However, the new ownership—led by Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe—remains distant, insulated from the immediate fury of the fanbase. Their patience suggests Martin will be given more time, but how long can that last if results don’t improve?
The Old Firm Test Looms
Martin’s next challenges are daunting: a midweek European clash followed by a trip to Celtic Park. Past Rangers managers, despite their flaws, managed to secure results against their bitter rivals. If Martin fails to do the same, the pressure will become unbearable.
After that, home matches against Edinburgh clubs could define his fate. Failure to win those may plunge the club into unprecedented turmoil.
Is Russell Martin the Right Man for Rangers?
Right now, the verdict is overwhelmingly negative. His tactics, recruitment, and man-management have all fallen short. If he can’t inspire a dramatic turnaround soon, his position will become untenable. Rangers fans demand success—right now, they’re seeing anything but.
