Rangers ‘have no choice’ but to sack Russell Martin amid Ibrox protest
Rangers will be left with “no choice” but to sack Russell Martin if fan protests at Ibrox continue to gather pace in the coming weeks.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have said about the boss’ future
Rangers were knocked out of the Champions League following a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge, which saw banners hung at Ibrox calling for Martin’s sack.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 25 August that Martin is under “huge” pressure at Rangers as sections of the fanbase have begun to turn on him.
Supporters have threatened to stop attending games should the boss remain in charge, and while the incident seems isolated, it will put pressure on the board.
Football Insider on 22 August that Rangers are not planning to sack Martin immediately and won’t make any knee-jerk decisions, but pressure is growing.
Rangers fans demand Russell Martin sacked as pressure builds
Former Sir Alex Ferguson number two Mick Brown told Football Insider on 28 August that Rangers are asking serious questions of Martin after their star to the season.
Protests following their heavy Champions League defeat saw banners at Ibrox which read: “Get him out now before the seats are empty.” [via the Sun]
O’Rourke explained that fan protests which directly impact attendances at Ibrox are likely to force the board into a decision, although they will not rush into it.
“Pressure is growing on Russell Martin,” he told Football Insider.
“The 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in that Champions League, that was a sore one to take.
“There were banners outside the stadium after that defeat to Club Brugge as well saying, ‘if they don’t sack him now, there’ll be empty seats’.
“And that’s when things start to move.
“Empty stadiums and stuff like that and fans aren’t turning up, the club will have no choice but to make a change in the management.
“But I don’t think there’s any immediate thought of sacking Russell Martin.”
Ibrox transfer plan revealed after Hamza Igamane sold
Amid ongoing speculation surrounding Martin’s future, the club are still preparing to back him with a busy end to the summer transfer window.
Football Insider revealed on 17 August that Rangers want a new striker, winger and centre-back before the 1 September deadline as they aim to back the boss.
Meanwhile, Hamza Igamane has completed his move to Lille, which will allow the funds from his sale to be reinvested into strengthening the squad.
Football Insider revealed on 16 August that Rangers are preparing for Igamane’s sale and will move to sign a replacement following the deal’s confirmation.
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