Nicolas Raskin now tipped to see Russell Martin finally sacked at Rangers
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(Credit: Imago)
Jack Heath
Thu 18 September 2025 18:50, UK
Nicolas Raskin has been seen as the crucial factor which could finally push Russell Martin’s impending sacking over the edge at Rangers.
Pressure continues mount at the Ibrox after Rangers fans chanted for Martin to be sacked in their 2-0 defeat to Hearts last weekend (13 September).
Supporters remain furious over the Englishman’s decision to drop the Belgian from his squad with sources have told Football Insider on 13 September that Raskin could leave Rangers in January as a consequence.
The pair have been locked in an ongoing feud since the former Southampton boss’ arrival with ex-Scotland international Charlie Adam encouraging the Rangers players to open peace talks between Martin and Raskin.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor now thinks that the number 43’s continued absence could be the nail in the coffin for the Gers manager’s dwindling tenure in Glasgow.
Credit: Imago
Discussing the horrendous situation surrounding the Teddy Bears on talkSPORT (18 September), the ex-Villain highlighted that the saga between Martin and Raskin could work against the manager as his job hangs by a thread.
Agbonlahor was adamant that the former Saints boss will have to tread lightly with the ownership watching on over his management of the Belgian, saying: “I think as well it’s been disappointing in recent seasons for Rangers and to start this season now, new manager and he looks like it’s getting worse.
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“I know the ownership behind Russell Martin, but we all know in football once you lose the fans and they start protesting and they’re walking out, you don’t really last long.
“And if you’re the ownership, you’re looking at Raskin, aren’t you?
And you’re saying one of your better players, you’re not playing him.
“That could be one of the reasons why he does lose his job, Russell Martin, if he can’t clear up what’s happened between them both and getting back in the starting team.”
Evidently, the only parties that know what truly is going on between the number 43 and the Englishman are those involved at the club in both a playing or operational capacity.
The lack of transparency between fans and the club regarding the situation has exacerbated the issue with supporters being left in the dark over when they’ll see the midfielder again.
Given the horrific run of form the Gers are on the Belgium international is desperately needed to turn things around for Martin.
Nicolas Raskin 2024-25 all competitionsAppearances45Minutes played3,589Goals5Assists11(Source: Sofascore)
With cup tournaments both domestically and continentally fast approaching, the Englishman will need to rely on the depth of his squad to battle the fixture congestion.
Midfield, in particular, is the most demanding spot in the team and Raskin’s endurance and relentless running has been sorely missed.
Martin’s stubbornness is undermining his ability to properly coach the Glaswegian side and is putting his job even more at risk than it should be as a result.