admin“It will be ridiculous”- 49ers stand in sacking Russell Martin at Rangers predicted after £15m at transfer spent
Russell Martin’s Job Safe for Now as 49ers Enterprises Stand Firm Despite Poor Start
Russell Martin will remain in charge at Rangers for the foreseeable future, with the club’s ownership group, 49ers Enterprises, showing no signs of considering a managerial change — despite growing fan unrest.
Rangers have opened their Premiership campaign with three consecutive 1-1 draws, and performances have left much to be desired. Martin’s possession-heavy style has divided opinion among supporters, and frustrations are beginning to mount.
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday acknowledged how tough it can be to win over the Ibrox crowd once discontent sets in, but he doesn’t believe the new ownership group — including Andrew Cavenagh — is ready to make a move.
With more than £15 million invested in new signings this summer, Halliday believes Martin has been backed too heavily for an early dismissal to be a realistic option.
Halliday on Clyde SSB: Patience Required
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Halliday responded to a fan call by saying:
“I think the previous caller mentioned that once Rangers fans turn on a manager, it’s incredibly hard to win them back — and I agree with that. But I disagree with the idea that 100% of the fans have turned on Russell Martin, which was the claim.”
He continued:
“The 49ers aren’t going to sack Martin after just eight weeks. That would be absurd, especially after giving him over £15 million to build this squad. There’s still time left in the transfer window — it’s just not happening.”
Halliday, who was originally enthusiastic about Martin’s appointment due to his tactical identity and style, admitted he expected more progress by now.
“I thought we’d see more improvement after nine games. Whether on or off the ball, I expected the team to show signs of development — but honestly, there’s no part of Rangers’ game right now that seems to be clicking.”
Defensive Issues and Lack of Aggression
Halliday also highlighted Rangers’ defensive fragility, questioning Martin’s regular use of the term “aggressive.”
“Defensively, they look very open. Martin always talks about aggression, but I just don’t see it — not off the ball. The only real difference from last season is they’re playing a higher defensive line, but they’re not putting pressure on the ball to stop attacks at the source.”
He added that the lack of a proper striker is compounding the issue:
“There’s no one leading the press from the front. Without a natural striker, it’s hard to win the ball back high up the pitch.”
Crucial Week Ahead for Martin
The pressure is building, and the next seven days could be decisive for Martin. Rangers face Club Brugge midweek in the second leg of their Champions League play-off, followed by the first Old Firm clash of the season against Celtic.
With the transfer window also closing soon, it’s a pivotal moment in Martin’s early tenure at Ibrox.
Would you like a shorter summary version as well?
admin
