Burnley sent clear Russell Martin warning - he would be on the 'back foot with the fans' | OneFootball

FLW's Burnley fan pundit has given his reaction to the reports that the club are interested in former Southampton and Rangers manager Russell Martin.

Burnley are still on the hunt for a new manager following the departure of Scott Parker.

It was another frustrating campaign in the Premier League for Burnley last season, and after their relegation was confirmed in April with four games remaining, head coach Scott Parker departed Turf Moor by mutual consent.

Mike Jackson took interim charge of the Clarets after Parker's exit, but the search for his permanent replacement is ongoing, and it has been claimed that the club currently have a shortlist of up to 10 candidates as they aim to make a breakthrough this week.

Steven Gerrard was one of the first names to be linked with Burnley, and he is still believed to be a contender for the vacancy, but Craig Bellamy, who previously served as Vincent Kompany's assistant at the Lancashire outfit, has stated his desire to remain in charge of Wales rather than move into club management.

Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy and Derby County boss John Eustace are also said to be under consideration, but a new name entered the frame on Monday when journalist Rudy Galetti reported that former Southampton and Rangers manager Russell Martin is on the Clarets' radar.

Martin has been out of work since leaving Rangers in October following a disastrous 17-game spell in charge at Ibrox, and it had seemed that he was closing in on a move to newly-relegated League One side Leicester City, but it remains to be seen whether Burnley's interest could change the situation.

Burnley warned against Russell Martin move as fan stance made clear

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When asked for his thoughts on the possible appointment of Martin, FLW's Burnley fan pundit Aaron Wright warned that the 40-year-old would face an uphill battle to win over Clarets supporters if he was to take over at Turf Moor, admitting that his possession-based style of football is unlikely to excite the fanbase.

"Not for me," Aaron told FLW.

"He would be on such a back foot with the fans to begin with.

"It seems to be too much about him as it was in Scotland.

"It's such a hit-and-miss style of play, it's so slow and laboured.

"Yes, you keep the ball, but it just doesn't excite you.

"It seems to be very possession-based, slow and methodical, it just doesn't excite me.

"I don't see it working the fans, I don't see it working with the players we could have.

"However, I could see the owners liking it, and he's got a promotion, so he probably stands a good chance."

Burnley must avoid Russell Martin, Leicester City hijack as manager search drags on

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Martin led Southampton to promotion from the Championship via the play-offs in the 2023-24 season, so it is easy to see why he would be an attractive option for the Burnley board, but they should not make a move for the ex-Rangers manager.

While some of the treatment of Martin at Ibrox was incredibly harsh, there is no doubt that his ill-fated spell in Glasgow has damaged his reputation, and after their disappointing relegation season, the Clarets need to make an appointment that would unite the fanbase, rather than divide it further.

One of the main criticisms that Burnley supporters levelled at Parker was that his style of play was too slow and ponderous, so bringing in a manager like Martin, who is even more committed to a possession-based approach, would not be warmly received, and owner Alan Pace must consider alternative candidates.