Rangers have ‘surprised’ over Russell Martin sack call
Rangers’ dismal start to the season may finally be starting to turn after picking up wins in two of their last three games across all competitions.
Russell Martin‘s side fought hard to secure Rangers’ 2-1 win away at Livingston courtesy of Max Aarons’ 94th-minute winner following goals from James Tavernier and Mohamed Sylla.
Having finally landed their first league victory of the season, Martin may have eased some of the pressure on his position despite constant sack speculation.
However, Rangers fans continue to chant for Martin to be sacked immediately following their last-minute pressure, with more work needed to win over the supporters.
Rangers still sit eighth in the SPFL table, seven points short of Celtic and nine shy of league leaders Hearts following their exceptional start to the campaign.
Russell Martin still at risk of the sack after Livingston win
Football Insider revealed on 20 September that games against Hibernian, Genk, and Livingston would be key for Martin, with wins needed to ease the pressure.
However, the boss is still at serious risk of being sacked despite picking up two wins in that spell as fans continue to call for his head.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that a win against Livingston is not enough to ease the pressure on Martin.
“Martin’s job is no more safe now than it was last week,” he told Football Insider.
“For Rangers, going to Livingston and having to rely on a stoppage-time winner tells you exactly the state they’re in at the moment.
“That should be a game they looked at as being relatively comfortable, but they end up scrapping to win it late on, so even though yes they got all three points and ultimately that’s what matters, it’s not going to do much to ease their concerns.
“The fans aren’t happy, and that might be the most important part of it all, because it seems to me like it isn’t just sections of them any more, it’s the majority.
“Calls and chants for him to be sacked from the crowd do not bode well, and to be honest, I’m surprised he’s been backed for this long.
“Rangers have, or should have, high standards. They have to be challenging for silverware, not scrapping away to get a win against Livingston. That’s what they’ve always expected.”
When the fans turn against a manager, it is often difficult for them to turn the situation around regardless of the backing from the board.
Rangers assessing options to replace Martin at Ibrox
Football Insider revealed on 21 September that Rangers have begun assessing alternatives to Martin with a number of candidates believed to be keen on the position.
Three top bosses have been on Rangers’ shortlist as they lay the groundwork in case they decide to pull the trigger regarding Martin’s future.
With Martin having been appointed just four months ago, the club are prepared to turn back to their alternatives candidates who have already been assessed for the role.
Sean Dyche has been tipped to take over at Rangers if Martin is dismissed, while the likes of Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard are also linked with the role.
While Martin remains in his position as things stand, and the club are reluctant to make moves while he is still in situ, plans are already being put in place behind the scenes.
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