Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell backs Russell Martin to turn things around | OneFootball

Rangers’ sporting director Kevin Thelwell has backed manager Russell Martin to turn things around following an underwhelming start to his reign at the club.

They are winless in four Scottish Premiership games in 2025-26, while Club Brugge defeated them 9-1 on aggregate in the Champions League play-offs.

Martin is under pressure as a result, but Thelwell insists he remains the best man for the job and is one of the best managers he has worked with.

“I have been very lucky over the course of my career to work with some very good managers and some very good head coaches,” Thewell said in an address to Rangers fans.

“And I have to say to you, he is one of the best. He is a very good coach – very good on the grass and very well-organised. He is extremely high-energy.

“He gives time to players, wants to work with players and wants to develop players – he wants to be very clear about trying to make players better and develop them. And he cares about the group.

“He cares about the results, cares about the performances and also cares about the staff here. I found him very collaborative.

“I appreciate I am saying all of those things, and we haven’t quite translated yet that what I am seeing on a day-to-day basis, all of that hard work, all of that energy, into what we need to see on the pitch.

“But I am sure that will happen. And I appreciate that it is very easy for me to sit here and ask for patience.

Thelwell also called for the fans to put things into perspective following the sizeable turnover of players during the summer transfer window.

However, Martin needs to start delivering the goods, and the international break will provide him with the opportunity to review recent performances and learn how to get the best out of his squad.

Rangers are back in action on September 13 with a home game against Hearts, and a victory will be a much-needed boost for the manager.