Russell Martin’s Rangers struggle: board backing but mounting pressure

Introduction to Rangers' turbulent start under Russell Martin

Rangers Football Club find themselves in an unprecedented crisis early in the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season. Under new head coach Russell Martin, appointed permanently in June, the club has yet to claim a league victory after five matches, languishing 10th in the table. The situation has escalated into a tense atmosphere around Ibrox, with supporters and pundits expressing growing frustration. Despite this, the Rangers board and sporting director Kevin Thelwell have publicly reaffirmed their backing of Martin, signalling a complex balancing act between patience and results-driven urgency.

Russell Martin's challenging start and response

Martin's tenure at Rangers has been marked by several difficulties. The team’s failure to win any of their opening five Premiership fixtures is the worst start for a Rangers manager in 47 years. The latest setback came with a 2-0 home defeat to Hearts, a side that remains unbeaten this season. The home crowd’s dissatisfaction was palpable, with chants demanding Martin's sacking echoing around Ibrox.

Despite this, Martin remains resolute. In his own words, he is committed to the club and refuses to walk away from the challenge. Acknowledging the initial scepticism around his appointment, he emphasises the need to deliver results to win back support. He said, "You have to fight to get here in the first place, and we'll keep fighting until we're told not to." This determination highlights his professional approach amidst mounting pressure.

Board support and the need for quick improvement

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell has reiterated the board’s support for Martin, stressing that while patience is required, results must improve swiftly. This backing is crucial, especially following the humiliating Champions League exit against Club Brugge by a 9-1 aggregate. Thelwell described the international break as a "reset button" period, hoping the season’s true start would begin with a positive performance against Hearts — a hope that was not realised.

Thelwell’s stance reflects a strategic approach, giving Martin time to instil his philosophy and resolve the disconnect between training performances and matchday displays. The club boasts talented players, but the inconsistency on the pitch suggests challenges in managing expectations and emotions at a club of Rangers’ stature.

Analyzing the team's performance and squad challenges

The gap between training ground intensity and match performance is a significant concern. Martin acknowledges this discrepancy, stating, "The players we see in training are very different to those on match day." This inconsistency has frustrated fans and staff alike.

Rangers have incorporated several new signings this season, including Bojan Miovski, who has struggled to make an impact since his arrival from Aberdeen. Miovski, once a promising goal scorer, has barely touched the ball in recent matches, highlighting the integration issues within the squad. The constant changes in the starting lineup suggest that Martin is still searching for his strongest XI, which is a common challenge for new managers but one that fans and critics are growing impatient with.

Fan and pundit reactions: Kris Boyd’s viewpoint

Former Rangers striker and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd has been vocal about the club’s predicament. Watching the defeat to Hearts, Boyd described the performance as "terrible and embarrassing," stating there is "no way back" for Martin if results continue to deteriorate. Boyd emphasised that while new managers deserve time to implement ideas, the lack of progress and worsening form make a prolonged tenure unlikely.

He also pointed out the danger of losing fan support permanently, noting that many supporters left the stadium early during recent games. Boyd’s critique extends to the players, describing them as "devoid of ideas" and unable to translate potential into effective performances. His analysis underscores the urgency for both managerial and player improvements.

What lies ahead for Rangers and Russell Martin?

Rangers face a crucial fixture away to Livingston on 28 September, which could be a pivotal moment for Martin’s future. The club must find a way to synchronise training energy with matchday execution and begin accumulating points to climb the table.

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Conclusion: balancing patience and performance at Rangers

The situation at Rangers is a classic example of the pressures facing football managers at elite clubs. Russell Martin's commitment to fight for his position is clear, but so too is the need for tangible improvements on the pitch. The backing from the board provides a temporary cushion, but continued poor results risk alienating the fanbase and destabilising the club's season.

Ultimately, Rangers must bridge the gap between potential and performance, harnessing their talented squad to meet the high expectations at Ibrox. Whether Martin can steer the club back on course remains to be seen, but the next few weeks will be critical in defining his tenure.

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