Russell Martin must already regret transfer ‘gamble’, it could cost Rangers boss his job
Russell Martin’s time at Rangers already looks to be coming to a swift conclusion as pressure continues to mount on his shoulders.
Steven Gerrard has already been backed for a Rangers reunion, with supporters rioting against the hierarchy and the current leadership in the dugout as everything continues to spiral.
Rangers beat Livingston 2-1 courtesy of a late winner from Max Aarons, making it two wins in three games, but after losing to Sturm Graz, the Gers have won just two of their last nine games.
The one recent win has been sandwiched by two disappointing defeats in the Europa League, and one player who barely featured in the positive moment was new signing Youssef Chermiti.
Rangers surely regret their move for Youssef Chermiti
Ally McCoist dubbed Chermiti’s signing a “gamble” last month, and after splashing £10million on the former Everton man, the 21-year-old needed to make an instant impact at Ibrox.
That has not been the case, and now, after spending so much money on his signature, Martin clearly feels he has no choice but to play the centre-forward, and that could be yet another decision that costs him.
The player’s only two starts so far have come in the Europa League, and as many have seen in those games, Chermiti has been far from the perfect striker as the Gers’ struggles increase.
| Youssef Chermiti’s starts at Rangers [FotMob] | Genk (H) | Sturm Graz (A) |
| Minutes played | 80 | 90 |
| Touches | 25 | 23 |
| Goals / Assists | 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 |
| Chances created | 1 | 0 |
| Shots on target | 0 | 3 |
| Successful dribbles | 50% (1/2) | 100% (1/1) |
| Dispossessed | 3 | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 33% (3/9) | 33% (3/9) |
| Fouls committed | 1 | 5 |
Chermiti averages a touch every four minutes, but even with his involvement, he gives the ball away far too much, cannot find the back of the net, and causes more frustration for his teammates.
Rangers also signed Bojan Miovski, but even he has only scored one goal in six appearances, as those around him, especially on the wings, carry the team forward at any chance they can.
Who could replace Russell Martin at Ibrox?
Martin has already been told he’s a “dead man walking”, but it remains to be seen who the hierarchy could actually replace him with to save the sinking ship this season.
Gerrard’s name has been discussed already, but based on his previous spell in Glasgow, the supporters are unlikely to welcome him back to Ibrox anytime soon.
Sean Dyche is another name in the conversation. He has not been at work since being sacked by Everton in January, and his name has been slightly more well-received than Gerrard’s.
Rangers is one of the biggest clubs in the world, so there should be a list of managers waiting to replace Martin. With the team’s current form, it might not be long until the club are receiving applications.