Le Tissier sheds new light on Russell Martin and makes strong Rangers title prediction
Russell Martin can reignite Rangers this season and bridge the gap to champions and title favourites Celtic.
That is the verdict of Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively he has faith in the former Saints boss, despite his “stubbornness” and shed new light on how he was viewed by the English club’s hierarchy.
Rangers have overhauled their squad since Martin’s arrival to replace Barry Ferguson this summer.
Djeidi Gassama joined from Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Oliver Antman stunned supporters with his phenomenal debut in the Champions League qualifier against Viktoria Plzen.
However, despite a strong continental run to start Martin’s reign at Ibrox, the cracks in his side appeared on Saturday, 2 August, when the Bears gave up a lead to draw 1-1 with Motherwell.
Rangers will get closer to Celtic
This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.
Martin was sacked as Southampton boss midway through the season, partly for his insistence in sticking with the tactical style that earned them promotion the season prior.
The Saints broke the record for the earliest point in which a team has ever been relegated from the Premier League, with their demotion confirmed in game week 31.
But Le Tissier told Football Insider he expects Martin to do well in Glasgow, saying: “I think I’d expect Rangers to get a little bit closer to Celtic this season.
“Russell Martin’s style of play was obviously something that got criticised down here quite a bit at Southampton.
“Rightly so because I think we didn’t have the players that could play in the way that he wanted us to play, and I feel like he could have changed that a little bit.
“His stubbornness really was the reason he got the sack because I think actually some them didn’t really want to give him the sack.
“They liked him and unfortunately the results were just going very south as we saw.
“He will make Rangers better and will get them close to Celtic.
“I’m not sure whether they can overtake them in one season, they’ve already dropped points against Motherwell which is the kind of games that they’ve been dropping points in over the last few seasons and why they haven’t really gotten close to Celtic.”
Rangers set to cash in on Hamza Igamane
During a busy first season in Scotland, Martin may be prepared to sanction the exit of one of his strikers this summer.
Pete O’Rourke revealed to Football Insider that Everton are leading a four-horse race for Hamza Igamane.
Cyriel Dessers has begun the season well, and the Bears could be in line to sell the Moroccan for £15-20million, according to the transfer correspondent.
Igamane scored 16 goals in his maiden season at Ibrox, but came in for plenty of criticism for missing easy chances and burning hot and cold throughout the campaign.