It’s been a woeful start to life at Glasgow Rangers for Russell Martin and his Ibrox tenure could be coming to an end sooner than first thought following the latest update on his future.
Martin: I've got "more support ever" at Rangers
Out of the Champions League and yet to win a game in the Scottish Premiership, it can’t get much worse for Martin at Rangers. The former Southampton manager was backed all throughout the summer transfer window by the 49ers, but has not been able to turn that investment into much-needed results.
The international break no doubt comes at a good time for all involved, but Martin is not worried about losing his job. The manager revealed that he has “more support than ever” by those in charge at Ibrox after a 0-0 draw against Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
“I haven’t felt one change in their [owners] attitude towards me. If anything I’ve felt more support than ever in the last week. Kevin [Thelwell, sporting director], Patrick [Stewart, chief executive], the owners.
“Andrew spoke amazingly well to the players and staff on Saturday on the plan we embarked on just 90 days or so ago. They felt it was the right plan then and they still do.
“He doesn’t want to get caught up in the hysteria of what goes out and goes with being at this club. The pain threshold has been reached time and time again at this club by the supporters. There’s usually a change but nothing has really changed.
“So I feel really supported by the owners. The players and staff needed to hear that on Saturday. There was a lightness in them after that.”
Although he chose to remain positive, however, reports have suggested that any support for Martin could be coming to an end sooner rather than later in Scotland with a number of replacements already mooted.
How many games Martin has left at Rangers
According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Rangers are preparing to sack Martin this month, and, therefore, he has just four games to potentially save his job.
The report claims that only a dramatic turnaround would prevent any quick decision, with a ‘growing expectation within the club that Martin will be gone by the end of September’.
Rangers vs Hearts
September 13
Rangers vs Hibernian
September 20
Rangers vs Genk
September 25
Livingston vs Rangers
September 28
The report comes just one day after Thelwell – Rangers’ sporting director – publicly hailed Martin as “one of the best” in a clear backing of the manager that he handpicked to join the club in the summer.
A lot can, of course, change in football at any given moment, but there’s no denying that Martin has given himself an uphill climb. His current record in the Scottish Premiership has been a particular disappointment, whilst a 9-1 thrashing accross two legs at the hands of Club Brugge in the Champions League hardly did wonders when it came to getting fans onside.