(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Mon 29 September 2025 17:30, UK

Russell Martin may have kept his job for another week with Rangers’ late win at Livingston, though the pressure is still on the manager to produce results.

Martin has only won five of his 15 matches in charge of Rangers, with Max Aarons’ late goal helping him to his first victory in the Scottish Premiership against Livingston.

Rangers were knocked out of the Champions League after a 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge, and lost their first match in the league phase of the Europa League against Genk.

The only positive for Martin so far is that Rangers have managed to progress to the semi-finals of the League Cup, where they will face Celtic for a place in the final.

There are three things though that Martin can do to save his job in the long-term.

Start young sensation over summer arrival

Martin made 11 signings over the summer transfer window as he looked to shape the Rangers squad into his own image.

One of those signings was Luton midfielder Thelo Aasgaard, departing the English club just six months into his spell.

Aasgaard only contributed two goals in 17 appearances as the Hatters were relegated from the Championship, and so far the Norwegian has failed to produce in Glasgow.

Rangers fans were furious with Aasgaard against Livingston, who has started the last seven matches under Martin.

Findlay Curtis netted the equaliser at St Mirren on matchday three, but has not been handed an opportunity since.

With Mohammed Diomande also out of form, Martin should give the 18-year-old a chance to show what he can do.

Show tactical adaptability

Martin arrived in Glasgow with a reputation for being stubborn, and so far, the former Southampton boss has lived up to that.

However, against Livingston, former Rangers striker Billy Dodds, as per Sportscene [28 September], praised Martin for his tactical tweaks.

“Russell Martin gets a bit of stick for keeping it the same but he changed it and he went a 4-4-2 with a little imbalance and then suddenly he changes to a back three and they get the winner,” Dodds said.

“So you can’t argue with that so tactically people have to say he got it spot on cause he tried to go and win the game.”

Dodds was also surprised with Rangers fans after they continued to shout for Martin to be sacked following the winning goal.

Martin though needs to continue being adaptable if Rangers are to continue winning matches.

Sort out Rangers stars futures

Perhaps some of Martin’s key players are not performing to their highest level due to their uncertain futures.

Martin had a falling out with Nico Raskin, and the midfielder was rumoured to be leaving the club during the transfer window.

Mikey Moore may be recalled by Spurs, whilst Diomande was linked with Everton over the summer, and Martin needs to sort out their current situations.

Martin must decide whether to give new contracts out to the likes of captain Tavernier, who will be free to agree a pre-contract agreement with another club in January.

Futures need to be sorted so Martin and the players can focus on results on the pitch and not issues off it.