Journo claims Kevin Thelwell blocked Russell Martin Rangers sack | OneFootball

Russell Martin remains a huge talking point at Rangers and now a new claim has sparked debate. According to (potentially) respected journalist Gianluca Chianti, a major figure at the club threatened to resign if Martin left. That development, if true, shows just how much protection Martin enjoys. The issue of Rangers leadership and Martin’s survival dominates conversation and it raises more questions about Kevin Thelwell. Chianti presents himself as a credible journalist, but his background lacks full verification so certainty is impossible. Even so, the report has intensified the spotlight on Rangers, just as recent Ibrox Noise analysis showed the manager’s precarious position. The Rangers support now sits between belief and doubt as this claim spreads, and it highlights again the strange loyalty that surrounds the current manager. Kevin Thelwell allegedly blocked Martin sack.

Thelwell’s role in Rangers’ direction

Thelwell already raised eyebrows with his public backing of Martin. He called the manager one of the best in the country and dismissed fan unrest as noise. Supporters watched the team stumble under Martin’s guidance and reacted with disbelief. If Chianti’s information proves accurate, then Thelwell played a central role in protecting Martin. Fans feel confused because decisions seem to favour one man over Rangers’ interests. Ibrox Noise previously highlighted how entrenched Martin had become and how hard it would be to remove him.

Fan reaction to the Chianti report

Supporters feel unimpressed. Many already doubted Martin and wanted change, only to hear that a resignation threat may have stopped the board. That idea creates the sense of a pals club behind the scenes, where personal ties outweigh Rangers’ success. Fans feel bitter as they wonder if boardroom politics matter more than points on the pitch. Some may question Chianti’s credibility, but his story matches the wider pattern of odd decisions at Ibrox. As Ibrox Noise outlined, the mood around Martin has shifted against him. Even if no one can prove the story beyond doubt, the fact that it resonates so strongly shows how low trust has fallen.

Rangers must clarify their position

The Rangers board and Thelwell cannot ignore this storm. Supporters want answers and they demand clarity about the club’s direction. If Martin’s survival depended on an executive’s loyalty, then the board must provide transparency. Even without confirmation, Rangers need to confront the growing suspicion among fans. Only openness will restore belief and ease the sense of betrayal running through the support. Sky Sports recently reported that the club hierarchy hears the noise around Martin, while another Sky update showed the manager doubling down on his vision.

For Rangers to move forward, leadership must prioritise football results over personal agendas. Every figure at the club, from Thelwell to Martin, must prove they serve Rangers before themselves.

This story may or may not be true, but the reaction shows where Rangers stand. Until results improve and communication strengthens, supporters will continue to fear that loyalty, not ambition, drives decisions at Ibrox as Kevin Thelwell allegedly blocked Martin sack.