Russell Martin’s time as Rangers manager is becoming increasingly bleak, with a sense of hopelessness now hanging over his tenure at Ibrox. Despite poor results and growing unrest, Martin continues to carry himself with a tone of superiority that feels wildly out of step with the team’s on-field failures.
According to journalist Hugh Keevins, there are no real winners in this situation. Rangers’ new ownership backed the wrong man for the job, signing expensive players who now have the club sitting near the bottom of the Scottish Premiership a glaring reflection of poor recruitment and misjudgment at the top.
The fanbase, frustrated and disillusioned, has in some cases crossed the line from criticism into unacceptable behavior. While Martin’s demeanor often seen as arrogant or dismissive has not helped his cause, Keevins warns that personal abuse serves no one.
Still, Keevins argues that Martin’s actions often invite criticism. Following another dismal showing against Genk in the Europa League, Martin’s post-match comments gave the impression that he refuses to take any responsibility. His unwillingness to acknowledge fault and his patronizing tone continues to alienate both fans and pundits.
Keevins draws a stark comparison between Martin and Livingston manager David Martindale, whom Rangers face on Sunday. Martindale, once imprisoned for drug offenses, is a story of redemption, humility, and self-awareness traits Martin appears to lack.
As Europe becomes another potential source of embarrassment for the club following the 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers the pressure mounts. Fan discontent is now visible in the stands too, with 30,000 empty seats over two recent home games.
What frustrates many is Martin’s repeated claim that the team performs well in training a narrative that no longer holds weight as poor results continue. Keevins concludes that Martin has yet to answer a basic, fair question: what, if anything, has improved under his leadership? Until he can, it’s hard to argue he’s the right man for the job.
