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Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Wed 20 August 2025 12:37, UK

Russell Martin has left Rangers’ new owners with a crucial decision over his future following an abysmal performance against Club Brugge.

The former Southampton man has only been in charge for eight matches across all competitions, but having only won three of them, Martin is already under serious pressure from the Rangers fans.

Despite all the ongoing chaos with the Scottish Premiership giants, going three goals behind in just 20 minutes in a Champions League qualifier was a new low, prompting Rangers fans to stream out of Ibrox.

Danilo netted early in the second half thanks to a fine cross from new man Jayden Meghoma, keeping the tie alive ahead of the second leg, but the opening 20 minutes were massively embarrassing for the Gers.

The manager has been extremely honest about his disappointment at some of his players, suggesting that some are not up to the task of playing for the Gers, but his credentials are also being questioned.

49ers Enterprises, fronted by Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe, are faced with an incredibly difficult decision now.

Do they stick or twist with Martin?

Can they bite the bullet and admit their mistake this early?

(Credit Imago)

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Supporters would likely have respect for the new owners if they made the change already judging by the boos ringing round the stadium against Brugge, but with a new era just beginning at Ibrox, that eventuality seems unlikely at this stage.

Instead, if they aren’t going to do that, Martin needs to be backed openly by the owners, much like Philippe Clement was by Patrick Stewart, though the former was sacked just a week after the public comments.

There is an incredible amount of unrest amongst the supporters, and if Cavenagh and Marathe were to show a strong sign of support for the manager, rumours of the manager being replaced already would be eradicated, at least for the time being.

Eight matches in is arguably far too soon to judge the manager, but with expectations always high for the Light Blues, and the hope of challenging Celtic always alive, nobody in the dugout is given a second chance.

Russell Martin is already under pressure.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

After two matches in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers are already four points behind the Hoops, and having lost their first leg against Club Brugge, an exit from the Champions League seems imminent.

Supporters could quickly turn their backs on Martin, but if the owners are brave enough to push a supportive narrative at Ibrox, it could help get them back onside for the 2025/26 campaign before his position becomes completely untenable.

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