Russell Martin must walk away from Rangers as raging Hotline brands boss 'ignorant or arrogant'
The Ibrox manager is still winless in the Scottish Premiership and the pressure is skyrocketing
Sportswriter with the Daily Record and Sunday Mail.
Russell Martin is bang in the firing line as Rangers suffered another disappointing day under their new manager.
The Ibrox side needed a deflected late leveller from youngster Findlay Curtis to rescue a point against St Mirren in Paisley.
But it’s three games in the Premiership without a win for Martin and, with a Champions League game in Belgium against Club Brugge imminent before a clash with Celtic on Sunday, the Light Blues faithful are fuming at the form.
Scott Gowers, Edinburgh, said: “Russell Martin should do the honourable thing and walk away from Rangers. He’s clearly out of his depth. His style of play isn’t only boring, it simply doesn’t work as it’s so predictable to play against.
"Changing things with 20 minutes to go is not good management and in no way is acceptable. Rangers fans deserve better. As for the players, there should be a clause in their contracts. They have win bonuses, I feel they should have drop-points deductions, especially as these players get paid far more than the majority of players in the league.”
Dr Robert S Pender said: “Total rubbish. Who brought these players to Rangers? Martin said his new players will get bums off their seats. He is spot on. They leave at half time. If we had world’s best striker, he would never score with this playing system.
“Knowing USA businessmen, they will not let failure continue and Martin and his second rate coaching staff will go.”
Mark Rankin, Motherwell, said: “Another dreadful performance. Lucky to get a point. Martin is showing very little at this stage to inspire anyone.”
John Davidson, Isle of Bute, said: “Playing without a striker, playing from the back is not the Rangers way, Martin needs to wake up and smell the roses.”
Russell Black, Banchory, said: “I was fortunate enough to have my season-ticket from just before Souness/Smith era up until McCoist took over. Martin’s blinkered philosophy will never work, he has get his defence organised and I am afraid he is just not capable of doing that.”
Peter Cooperwhite said: “I don’t know if Martin is ignorant or arrogant. Can’t wear shirt or tie because he sweats too much and doesn’t listen to the noise. Says this week is a big week, but not critical. Mind-blowing nonsense. Fans’ noise had a part in Philippe Clement’s demise. Russell, take note.”
Jimmy Mac, Glasgow, said: “Newsflash, Russell. Ange Postecoglou didn’t need time when he went to Celtic to win the Scottish Premiership.”
Celtic maintained their 100 per cent Premiership start with a win over Livingston and now attention turns to their own Champions League test against Kairat Almaty.
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “After a sluggish first half, it was easy street after that. Three points, another clean sheet and players rested for Tuesday, so a good day all round with Benjamin Nygren the stand-out player. Now for a huge match and everyone will need to be at their best to achieve what the fans deserve.”
The heat is on the Parkhead board for lack of signings, but Willie Mercer, Dumfries, says it’s also on the boss Brendan Rodgers as he said: “Let’s be clear, Celtic failed to beat a team at home, who are ranked 311th in Europe.
“Should Celtic fail to qualify for the Champions League, then this will be down as much to Rodgers, the so-called elite manager, his team selection and tactics, than it does to the Celtic board’s dallying in the transfer market.”
Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh, said: “Rodgers says he’s desperate for striker cover when his back four can’t defend a corner kick or any other kick that comes into the penalty box. Even an outfit from Kazakhstan caused total panic.”
Stuart Pearson said: “I’d just like to say to all the Celtic fans that couldn’t wait to claim Rangers embarrassed Scottish football with the result last Tuesday, next time wait until your mob has played as we all know who’d the worst result midweek and who really embarrassed Scottish football.”
Stephen Johnstone, Ardentinny, said: “Time to forget about European football. We don’t have the resources, never mind the players. Celtic should not spend any transfer funds as Rodgers has wasted enough.”
Hibs are heading to Poland to face Legia Warsaw and Kevin Lord, Drylaw, said: “Less than one year ago we were serious relegation candidates. Top-end of table finish, played three European ties and fans are moaning about a one-goal defeat? Get real. We are at the level we probably should be, but improving.”
Across Edinburgh, Hearts drew with Motherwell and Gordon Ashley, Ayr, said: “Hearts fans and their manager can kid on Saturday’s late comeback is a great result, but they know that it is two points dropped.”