Russell Martin forces Rangers diehard to break his own golden rule as Hamza Igamane given emphatic exit – Hotline

Another torrid weekend for the new Ibrox boss has seen pressure crank up another notch. Fraser Wilson takes your calls.

There were no winners - but it was definitely a case of Saints and sinners in Paisley on Sunday.

Rangers' draw with St Mirren was the final straw for hordes of Hotline Bears with Russell Martin and Hamza Igamane both told to beat it.

Three points from three league games to fall six behind Celtic ahead of the Old Firm derby on Sunday has done it for Martin. But Igamane has also been told to do one after the Moroccan apparently refused to come off the bench, citing an injury.

Philip Borland emailed: “I never thought Rangers could get any worse than last season but I was wrong. We have a bunch of donkeys playing for us and a manager that's not got a clue what he is doing.

"He said Igamane refused to play - if that is the case then his contract is up in 2029 so Rangers should keep him for two years, make him train on his own and don't even let him play for the B team. No player is bigger than the club.”

John Spence, South Ayrshire, blasted: “Igamane refusing to come on as a sub is an unforgiveable act but probably testament to a lack of respect for the manager within the dressing room.

"They realise he has little tactical nous, a fact that will be borne out when, by next Sunday afternoon, already out of the Champions League, we'll find ourselves nine points behind Celtic and with that all hope of mounting a title challenge this season extinguished on the last day of August.

"I don't usually advocate sacking anyone, especially this soon, but sometimes you simply have to put your hands up and say a massive mistake has been made.

"Martin is way out his depth, the 49s' management must recognise this, it would almost be an act of mercy to relieve him of his duties.”

And Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Russell Martin has dug himself into a deeper hole by talking publicly about Igamane. No matter what employment anyone is in, no manager should talk about an employee to anyone outwith the company let alone the media until there has been an internal investigation into any incidents which may or may not have occurred.

"Martin seemed to be trying to divert the bad press being aimed at himself by talking to the Press about an employee, he may well have talked himself into the sack without compensation as his behaviour is totally unacceptable and highly unprofessional by any employee let alone a member of management.

"If Igamane picked up any form of injury he should have been assessed by the club doctors but Martin shouldn't have spoken out on the matter. I wonder will the 49ers turn a blind eye?”

Nineteen-year-old Findlay Curtis climbed off the bench to rescue Rangers a point against the Buddies. But it wasn’t enough to save Martin from a pile-on.

Joe Graham, Garrowhill, said: “Another two points dropped under Martin. No doubt he will say there is a long way to go. Truth is it is now finished. Six points behind Celtic after three games is just not on. The supporters can’t wait any longer.

"It is obviously not working with Martin in charge. His starting line ups leave huge questions. The style of play is to be desired. Everyone sees the flaws bar him. No urgency to win games until the closing stages. Not good enough and changes must be made.”

Jim Thompson, Clydebank, added: “How on earth did Martin get the manager’s job? His style of play is utterly boring. Unless Rangers players don't want to play for him. The board must see the situation is a disaster. Brendan Rodgers and Celtic must be laughing their heads off. Martin must go.”

Willie Mercer emailed: “Once again Rangers had the vast majority of possession, 71 per cent, but the opposition had as many shots, corners and touches in the opposition box. Surely this tells Martin that there is something fundamentally wrong with his tactics and set-up of the team, or that his players lack the understanding or ability to play his system.

"In all three league games, not only have we lacked intensity and cohesion, the players look disjointed within the system and frightened to play their natural game or off the cuff. It is a foregone conclusion that if we continue to play in this manner it will be another long trophyless season.”

And Robert Livingston, Palm Beach, said: “Three league games, all draws, and fortunate to get those points you'd think. Martin's remarked that it's not the end of the world, but for three quarters of the game his pick and mix side were awful. Full credit to St Mirren, they outplayed Rangers. Butland saved them right at the death “

Former Aberdeen hero Bojan Miovski has emerged as a late transfer window target.

But Gordon Hendry, Ochiltree, said: “Apparently we are chasing Miovski - and to think we could have had Shankland for nothing whilst starting Aasgaard at centre beggars belief. Aarons looks like a wee boy playing amongst men whilst Raskin and Gassama seem like the only players up for the fight although the subs in the second half made a difference. I felt sorry for Soutter all on his own at the back for most of the game. Kevin Thelwell and Martin haven't a clue and Rangers will go nowhere fast with these two in charge.”