Ally McCoist demands Russell Martin be given time at Rangers | OneFootball

What’s been telling in Rangers media lately is how many Rangers pundits, especially ex-players or managers, have lined up in support of Russell Martin. Nearly every one of them who has spoken publicly has backed the current manager despite his clear ineptitude. The latest to join that chorus is Ally McCoist. He’s a former Rangers man we have a lot of time for on Ibrox Noise and we are sure most Rangers fans do too. Ally McCoist supports Russell Martin.

McCoist has criticised Rangers’ recruitment policy in recent years. He’s calling it shocking and contrasting it with Celtic’s far more effective approach. He also said it is too early to judge Kevin Thelwell and Martin’s summer additions. We are not entirely convinced by that view, but there it is. More notably, he has also backed Martin himself, a stance that will spark debate.

A recent Ibrox Noise poll showed 44% of fans wanted Martin sacked, while 56% backed him. That is a technical majority, but hardly a strong one so early in his tenure. Ally McCoist supports Russell Martin, like everyone else in that 56%, and says give him time. The classic give him time. Thirteen years of giving Rangers time is exactly why we are here now with just three trophies and arguably the most pathetic Rangers side we have ever seen. We would even include 2012, because while the quality then was not high, the soul of the club had not been ripped out completely.

Today’s Rangers are feeble, and we are certain the give him time brigade will be quick to attack this view. Ibrox Noise gets constant criticism for negativity, but honesty is our priority. Those who preach patience for every manager give them all the time in the world to do damage. We cannot understand the media agenda of pundits and ex-players who push support for the manager no matter what.

In fairness, there is a problem for individuals like McCoist in openly criticising the regime. Their close ties to the club, the trust they have from within, and possible employment links make criticism risky. McCoist will have his reasons for saying what he does, but we hope it is just lip service, because when Ally speaks, people listen.