Russell Martin Gets Off To Awful Start As Rangers Manager | OneFootball

Rangers’ pre-season is always a time of expectation and preparation as the new campaign begins to take shape. Supporters keep a close eye on every result and performance no matter how early or experimental the line-up may be. There is always an undercurrent of scrutiny when it comes to how Rangers open their summer fixtures and this year is no exception as the club begins its build-up with a new managerial face at the helm, with Rangers confirming their 2025–26 pre-season plans.

Russell Martin’s reign got off to a very poor start as Rangers fell to a 0-1 defeat in their opening pre-season friendly against The New Saints. It was never going to be a walk in the park but few could have predicted such an underwhelming display against a Welsh side many expected Rangers to brush aside with ease. The goal came midway through the second half and Rangers could not recover despite a flurry of substitutions and tactical switches. The result was one thing but the lack of quality in possession and penetration in the final third is what has really alarmed fans.

It is early days and the first friendly of any summer should not be read into too much but the reaction from Rangers fans has been immediate and severe. Many have taken to Ibrox Noise to vent their frustrations while some have recalled the Cantwell saga as a comparison of misplaced early hope. Martin is already facing questions and although it is far too soon to make any final judgements the pressure is certainly on him to deliver a quick turnaround before the bigger tests arrive.

Rangers have more friendlies lined up and they must take the opportunity to build rhythm and restore belief within the support. The mood right now is one of uncertainty and that has not been helped by pre-season memories such as those covered earlier. Defeat in a summer match is not a crisis on its own but when it comes after a summer of major transition and upheaval it becomes something more symbolic.