What Russell Martin said in first Rangers match proved he was doomed from minute one
Russell Martin was relieved of his duties as Rangers manager on 5 October after an embarrassing 1-1 draw with Falkirk.
The departure of the Englishman has created a chasm at the Ibrox with Rangers expected to take their time over appointing the next manager.
Sources told Football Insider on 5 October that Danny Rohl and Sean Dyche are some of Rangers’ potential candidates to replace Martin.
Football Insider was also informed of Steven Gerrard’s eagerness to return to manage Rangers after he left the club in November 2021.
Yet, the former Southampton boss’ tenure seemed to be set up to fail from the get-go after he made some damning comments early on in his reign.
Russell Martin lashing out at players led to spiralling results and rift in relationships at Rangers
Looking back to the ex-Swansea City manager’s first league game in charge against Motherwell on 2 August, it was clear he was not going to last at the Ibrox.
The Gers conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 against the Steelmen which compelled Martin to blast his players for their shallow egos and weak mentalities.
Speaking to Sky Sports (2 August), the Englishman said: “When you want to just jog around and do what you want to do, there’s a big problem.
“Some of them have to drop their ego, I’ll look at us tactically and accept my responsibility in it.
“But today, it’s not really tactical, it’s a mentality problem, and we got more than what we deserved actually.
“We need work out who really wants to be all in and who doesn’t.”
Martin’s transparency undermined his Rangers tenure
The 39-year-old was open in his views both off and on the pitch regarding the players, the board and himself.
Yet, this aspect of his character ultimately proved to be his downfall with the Teddy Bears’ squad unresponsive as he hung his players out to dry.
During his time in Glasgow, Martin endured his worst managerial spell, winning just five matches with a win percentage of 29 per cent.
| Russell Martin Rangers tenure | Stat |
| Games managed | 17 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Draws | 6 |
| Defeats | 6 |
| Win % | 29% |
This was even lower than stints with MK Dons (39 per cent) and Swansea City (36 per cent), which proved just how poor he was at Ibrox.
Following abhorrent tenures with Southampton in the Premier League and with Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, it’s hard to envision Martin finding a new job anytime soon.
His recent track record has been a abysmal and clubs would be wise to steer clear of the man who seemingly sinks every ship he boards.