Rangers have clear Russell Martin sack plan ahead of Celtic showdown
Rangers are unlikely to react quickly and sack Russell Martin even if he oversees a defeat in the Old Firm derby, sources have told Football Insider.
Martin has had a dismal start to his time in charge at Ibrox and has faced a barrage of criticism from the fans.
However, sources say that the Rangers board will not make any knee-jerk decisions and still have full faith in the former Southampton boss.
The Gers face arch-rivals Celtic on Sunday (31 August), and despite the fact that a defeat would heap yet more pressure onto Martin, the 49ers Enterprises know that it is a long-term project.
Russell Martin to survive shocking start
Rangers continued their poor league form against St Mirren last weekend (24 August), scraping a 1-1 draw thanks to a late Findlay Curtis’ equaliser.
Their other two games in the Scottish Premiership finished with the same scoreline, as the Glasgow giants failed to overcome both Motherwell and Dundee.
It has left Rangers six points adrift of Celtic going into the derby, with many fans concerned that the gap could become insurmountable very quickly.
If Brendan Rodgers’ side are able to press home their advantage and win the league, it would be their fifth title in a row.
Rangers may be forced to accept offers for star
Meanwhile, Rangers could be forced to accept “huge” offers for Hamza Igamane before the transfer window closes if they miss out on Champions League qualification, sources have told Football Insider.
This comes after the forward refused to come off the bench during the 1-1 draw with St Mirren, casting more doubt over his future at the club.
Football Insider revealed on 2 August that Igamane’s future could depend on Rangers’ Champions League qualification, while they have placed a £15million price tag on him.
However, following a 3-0 first leg defeat against Club Brugges, the club look set to miss out on the huge financial windfall that comes with playing in the competition.
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