Rangers Fans React With Disgust as Russell Martin Closes In | OneFootball

Russell Martin to Rangers looks almost certain now after Fabrizio Romano confirmed advanced talks between the former Southampton boss and the Ibrox board. Rangers fans have not taken the news well at all and social media is awash with reactions ranging from stunned disbelief to outright fury. This is not the name anyone wanted. It is not the direction the fans had hoped for after weeks of anticipation under the new regime. And it is clear that this appointment has gone down like a lead balloon.

From the very moment Russell Martin emerged as a contender, the backlash was instant and overwhelming. Fans questioned his record, his lack of trophies, and his passive football style. Martin’s most recent stint at Southampton ended in failure and before that he never truly impressed at Swansea or MK Dons. There is nothing in his CV that screams Rangers manager. And certainly nothing that makes him the inspirational figure to challenge Celtic and restore Rangers to glory.

Supporters have waited patiently for the new board to make a bold and commanding appointment. Instead what they feel they are getting is the cheapest and safest option available. There is no sign of ambition or statement of intent. This is a man who has never experienced the demands of Glasgow or the Old Firm environment. The fear is that he will crumble under the pressure and become just another failed experiment like so many others before him.

There is still no official confirmation from the club but sources say it is all but done and the fans are making their feelings crystal clear. The reaction on Ibrox Noise and elsewhere shows a club deeply out of touch with its support. At a time when unity and energy are desperately needed to fight back from a poor season this looks like a massive misstep.

If the board are banking on early results to win the fans over they better pray Martin hits the ground running. Because if he doesn’t the noise from the stands will only grow louder and the damage may already be done before a ball is kicked.