He Has to Go, and Now – Rangers’ Shambolic Defeat Piles Pressure on Russell Martin
The atmosphere at Ibrox turned toxic as Rangers slumped to a dismal 3-1 defeat against Club Brugge, a performance so dire that fans began streaming out before halftime. The loss not only leaves their Champions League dreams in tatters but has also sparked a furious backlash against new manager Russell Martin.
With just three months in charge, Martin’s tenure is already under severe scrutiny. Supporters are demanding change—He has to go, and now—as frustration mounts over dire tactics, lackluster displays, and a team that appears utterly devoid of direction.
A Night to Forget at Ibrox
From the opening minutes, Rangers looked disjointed and defensively fragile, conceding two early goals that set the tone for a disastrous evening. Club Brugge exploited gaps at will, exposing a backline that seemed incapable of dealing with even the most basic attacking moves.
Fans expected a response after halftime, but despite a slight improvement, the damage was done. A solitary goal from Rangers did little to mask the glaring issues—poor decision-making, misplaced passes, and a complete lack of cohesion under Martin’s system.
Fans Fume: Martin Must Go Immediately
Unsurprisingly, supporters were scathing in their assessment of the manager and the team.
_Russell Martin needs to go before he’s sacked,_ said Russell Bremner. _Normally I’d say it’s too early, but this is the worst Rangers team I’ve ever seen._
Michael Kearney echoed those sentiments, adding, _Nobody fears us anymore. Not at Ibrox, not anywhere. If we act now, we might salvage the season—but not with Martin in charge._
The frustration isn’t just about results; it’s about philosophy. Fans see a rigid manager unwilling to adapt. Kevin Ord criticized the lackluster performance: _Too many players just aren’t good enough. Another away game, another mountain to climb._
Michael Beck pointed to Martin’s selection mistakes: _We needed energy in midfield. Moore should have started. Martin keeps pushing his ‘philosophy,’ but if the players don’t buy in, it’s dead in the water._
Martin’s Delusion?
Some fans were incensed by Martin’s post-match comments, where he claimed pride in his team’s efforts.
_Proud? After that?_ scoffed Peter Cooper White. _It’s one of the craziest collapses I’ve ever seen at Ibrox. The board must give him an ultimatum._
Lorna Stenhouse questioned Martin’s repeated references to past failures at the club: _If he keeps blaming ‘the way things have been for years,’ what exactly is he fixing?_
For many, the writing is on the wall. Callum Carmichael, initially willing to give Martin time, now believes the manager must step aside: _His refusal to change his approach is killing us. Please resign, Mr. Martin._
The Case for Keeping Martin?
Not all fans are ready to pull the trigger just yet. A small minority defended the manager, insisting he needs time to implement his vision.
Tim M urged supporters to look beyond short-term results: _Every fan should listen to his post-match interview. He’s right—Rangers have relied on vibes and individual brilliance for too long. Building something sustainable takes time._
David Murdoch remained cautiously optimistic about the return leg: _We played better in the second half. It’s a big ask, but I still believe we can turn it around._
What Now for Rangers?
The next few games could determine Martin’s fate. A stumble against St. Mirren or yet another Old Firm humiliation might seal his departure.
Several fans, like Kevin Sandison, believe time is already up: _His tactical naivety has him on thin ice. If results don’t improve fast, he’ll be gone by September._
Others, like Andy Cumming, blame not just the manager but the board: _Who hired him after his terrible Southampton spell? They should go too._
Jim Foster summed up the exasperation: _Martin has no Plan B. If we lose the next three, he’s finished._
Final Verdict: Time’s Up or Time to Trust?
The overwhelming consensus among Rangers supporters is clear—He has to go, and now. While a handful of fans argue for patience, the majority see no signs of progress under Martin.
Rangers face a crucial decision: Stick with a sinking ship or take drastic action before the season spirals further. For now, one thing is certain—another performance like this, and Russell Martin’s reign could be over before it ever truly began.
Related Topics
– Rangers FC
– Scottish Football Crisis
– UEFA Champions League Disasters
– Manager Sack Race
