Two-faced Russell Martin caught as he axes ‘key’ Rangers midfielder | OneFootball

Russell Martin has once again shown his knack for contradiction with the bizarre handling of Kieran Dowell. Only weeks ago he called Dowell a huge player, a mainstay and even went as far as naming him in the so-called leadership group. Yet for the European squad Martin has quietly dropped him. The situation leaves supporters scratching their heads while also secretly relieved that the midfielder is nowhere near the continental stage. The irony is brutal, and it perfectly sums up Martin’s confused reign. Rangers fans see through this mixed messaging, and it makes Martin look two faced. The Kieran Dowell saga at Rangers has become a symbol of the chaos.

Dowell labelled a key figure

Martin said Dowell was a mainstay. He insisted he would play a major role. He even called him one of the most important figures in the squad. Fans were left stunned at such backing for a midfielder who has offered next to nothing. Rangers fans never bought it, and plenty voiced dismay at the claim. Dowell’s inclusion in the leadership group was perhaps the final insult. He joined James Tavernier and Jack Butland in a group meant for serious figures. That move baffled the stands and baffled the dressing room.

The European squad decision

When the European list was announced the relief was obvious. Dowell was out. The player once hyped as vital was now surplus to requirements. Supporters who groaned when he featured applauded this change. Martin tried to save face but could not hide the reality. His own words came back to haunt him. Fans pointed out the clear contradiction and called out the hypocrisy. This contradiction is a manager trying to talk up players while knowing full well they cannot cut it. That kind of posturing fools no one.

What this says about Martin

Martin looks exposed. You cannot praise a player to the skies then quietly bin him weeks later. The support can see the nonsense. They see a man desperate to look in control but who ends up undermining himself. Kieran Dowell has become the clearest example of that failure. Rangers fans have every right to call out the inconsistency and demand better. Breathing space is there for the European squad but it leaves major doubts about the manager. Russell Martin quizzed on Kieran Dowell’s future and Martin’s regret over squad choices show the contradictions further. This episode shows a boss who cannot keep his story straight and who lacks conviction. If Martin keeps this up then his position will only weaken further.