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Rangers board stand by Russell Martin despite 6-0 humiliation as takeover chiefs gamble on embattled boss for Celtic class
Russell Martin will remain in the Rangers dugout for Sunday’s explosive Old Firm showdown with Celtic, despite a disastrous start to life at Ibrox and calls from furious supporters for his dismissal.
Chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who were spotted deep in conversation at the Jan Breydel Stadion after Wednesday’s humiliating 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge, have not been given any instruction from the club’s American owners to sack the manager.
That result matched the heaviest defeat in Rangers’ history and came at the end of an 84-day reign that has already left many fans demanding change.
Martin, appointed by Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe to lead a new era after the summer takeover, has overseen a £20m rebuild and 10 new signings.
Yet his side have stumbled to three consecutive 1-1 league draws and now face the prospect of being nine points behind Celtic after just four matches.
Supporters’ anger is growing. In Brugge, travelling fans chanted for Martin to go as goals flew in, while back in Glasgow banners were draped outside Ibrox reading: *“Get him out now before the seats are empty.”*
Despite the unrest, the board is giving the former Southampton and Scotland defender one more chance. A victory on Sunday could buy him time, but another collapse may leave his future impossible to defend.
Speaking after the defeat, Martin struck a defiant tone: *“No doubts. Patrick and Kevin have been really supportive. We’ll take the pain and humiliation and turn it into fuel for Sunday.
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