Rangers players to be ‘absolutely fuming’ with Russell Martin move as pundit shocked at sack-threatened boss
Rangers players are thought likely to be infuriated with Russell Martin over his decision to take the team to Loch Lomond as his sacking become increasingly imminent.
The 2-0 defeat to Hearts on 13 September saw Rangers fans chanting for Martin to be sacked as the former Southampton manager hits a new low in Glasgow.
Whilst ex-Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan has urged the Rangers owners to ignore the fans’ discontent over Martin, there is no denying the Englishman is walking on a tightrope.
In desperation some Rangers supporters have called for Barry Ferguson to replace Martin in a bid to get the club back on track.
In an attempt to steady the ship, the ex-Swansea City boss took the Gers squad to Loch Lomond as he tries to lift the dismal team spirit in camp.
Russell Martin ‘never had the dressing room’ says Jamie O’Hara as Rangers in a spot of bother
Speaking on Sky Sports News (16 September), former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara was flabbergasted with the Teddy Bears manager’s decision to take his languishing group on a reported team bonding session.
The player-turned-pundit could not hide his discontent with Martin’s plan to boost squad morale after a winless start to the league campaign.
O’Hara slammed the Englishman, stating: “If I was a player I’d be absolutely fuming, why would I want to go swimming in Loch Lomond?
“How is that a team bonding session? That’s pain! Then you want me to go walk up a mountain? Come on, Russell Martin is getting it all wrong.
“He’s trying to make it [the situation] worse, he’s lost the dressing room, he never had the dressing room.
“Team bonding sessions can work but if you’re doing it after the first month of the season. You [Martin] ain’t got the dressing room, he’s in disarray.
“Rangers are a massive football club and I think he’s getting it all wrong.”
Russell Martin heading for early season sack as Rangers well below-par
It is absolutely barmy that the Gers have failed to win a single game in the Scottish Premiership after five matches.
Their woeful league form has been even surpassed by their dreadful Champions League smashing by Club Brugge as the Glaswegian side must now settle for Europa League.
Yet, given the state of the club I cannot envision them getting out of the league phase with Scottish football in a sorry situation.
| Russell Martin Rangers record (as of 16 September) | |
| Games managed | 12 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Draws | 5 |
| Defeats | 4 |
Whilst the idea of team bonding in essence is usually a good thing, for Martin it exacerbates his desperation as he tries to rally his troops.
The next game against Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup now looks to be a must-win affair as the Rangers board could quite quickly backtrack on their public backing of the ex-Saints manager.
A miracle is needed in the blue half of Glasgow to resurrect a shambolic start to the campaign and I don’t see Martin holding on to his job for much longer.