Exclusive: Rangers preparing to sack Russell Martin after Ibrox legends mutiny
Rangers are preparing to sack Russell Martin this month despite Kevin Thelwell’s public show of support, sources have told Football Insider.
The Ibrox manager is fighting for his job following a wretched start to his reign since his summer arrival.
Sources close to the Rangers board say there is a growing expectation within the club that Martin will be gone by the end of September.
Only a dramatic turnaround in results and performances will be enough to keep the 39-year-old in his role, and even that may not prevent a change in the dugout, with the club already tentatively exploring potential alternatives.
Rangers legends call for Russell Martin’s head
It is believed that a cabal of Rangers legends have made it clear to the hierarchy that Martin is not up to the task of transforming the team’s fortunes.
This comes after sporting director Thelwell insisted in an interview with RangersTV that he is “certain” the under-pressure boss will turn things around after a rocky start.
Martin, who took over at Rangers in June following a stint at Southampton, has faced calls for his dismissal after securing just three victories in his first 11 games at the helm.
Rangers have failed to clinch a win in any of his four Scottish Premiership matches so far and suffered a shattering 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-offs.
Rangers agree midfielder sale to Premier League side
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Nottingham Forest have agreed a deal to sign Rangers sensation Blaine McClure.
An announcement regarding the 18-year-old defensive midfielder’s switch to the City Ground is expected imminently, after the deal has been finalised.
Sources say that McClure will move to Forest on an initial loan, with a view to a permanent transfer in the future.
The Northern Ireland Under-19 international joined Rangers from Northern Ireland club Linfield in the summer of 2023, but never made an appearance for the first team.
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