Russell Martin - Wrong Person, Wrong Time

This piece is written by a Rangers fan. Someone who wants the club to do the best it can. While having a preference on who should take the Ibrox seat, this fan was willing and still is to put aside that preference should the chosen candidate be the right one. After five league games, six UEFA Champions League qualifying matches and one mediocre League Cup fixture, the jury is clearly out on Russell Martin. This article serves to analyse why he was never the correct choice, what that correct choice should look like and why the club must act now in order to begin reversing the damage that has been caused since the June appointment.

"At Rangers, you're never more than two games away from a crisis."

- Walter Smith

One of the most important things a Rangers manager needs is the ability to thrive under pressure. In fact, they should be keen to invite it on because in any successful, elite, sporting environment it is those that work through the constant demands when others don't. While Martin initially talked a strong game when asked about this factor of the job he has struggled with almost every aspect thrown his way. Be that the opening game of the season at Fir Park, or a humiliating 9-1 defeat to Club Brugge on aggerate. Martin's Rangers can't string together two positive results in a row, let alone show early signs of a title winning team. While data analysts will consider Rangers' poor xG a factor in determining the extent of Russell's struggle, to the common fan he simply isn't passing the eye test. Not only are the team poor to watch, they are far from delivering results. At the time of writing, they haven't scored in two games and been pathetic from open play. While a sign of a good team is one that can perform poorly and still win, this cannot be said of the current Rangers squad.

Then there's the non-existent relationship that he has with the squad. At the end of last season, Nico Raskin had developed into an exciting prospect. He was thriving in a struggling 'Gers team and deservingly has been called up to the Belgium national team as a result. Fans were cautious and borderline scared that he'd force a transfer in order to play in a higher domestic league. In reality, the opposite was true. Raskin declined offers towards the end of the window in order to stay in Glasgow while facing a moderate level of criticism from his Head Coach. In addition, the starting XI has been leaked multiple times before its due announcement. There is a clear level of distrust at Ibrox and this must change.

"He's not a Rangers man, he doesn't get it"

This was a common phrase from a lot of the fanbase. While the next manager doesn't have to of been born in the Louden with the scarf around their neck, they must understand the size of the club they are joining. This cannot be taken lightly. Even Graeme Souness has been on record as saying that it was only when he left Rangers that he realised what he had left behind. Plenty of people have came into the club with no prior support and quickly "Got it" (Gerrard, Novo, Andrews) while others naturally show the passion, work-rate and desire to win. Martin failed to show this as a player, and while it may not necessarily correct to assume Martin the manager would be the same, he has again proved the doubters to be right. This factor has been incredibly overlooked in the hiring process by the club and must change for future appointments.

"We have to Learn While Winning"

These words said by Martin during his opening press conference outlined to the fans that he knew what was expected. Yes, the squad he has inherited is far from perfect. And yes, these new signings need time to learn and grow. However, Russell Martin must be held to account. He knew that results have to come while the team adapt. This has not happened. This does not even look close to happening and so the only logical option is to cut ties. Honesty from the board would be appreciated. Admit that they got this one wrong, appoint an interim team of people who have knowledge about the club and then seek out a new manager. This manager must be someone who does more than just talk his game, he must deliver. He must understand the "Bread and Butter" (As Barry Ferguson called it) of the league while delivering European performances everyone can be proud of.

And so... What comes next?

As highlighted by the Union Bears, the damage caused is incredibly to close to going beyond Martin. Some are now calling for Patrick Stewart's head too. A few on social media are sharing anti - Kevin Thelwell graphics. Should Martin not be removed promptly, This will spread through the club, setting things even further back. Something the 49ers group could have never felt was imaginable, let alone a reality.

In summary, it is in best interests of everyone connected to Rangers Football Club that Russell Martin departs as manager. He was in fact, never the right story in this new chapter of the club's 153 year history. A change of manager is needed. This new era with the ownership and guidance of 49ers limited has an incredible amount of potential for every stakeholder. It will not be successful with Martin involved. It didn't require a UEFA Pro License or a Business Degree to see this from the beginning. Not only does the fate of Rangers' season lie in this moment, but so does the future of a historic global institution. There must be change.