🚨 HERE WE GO 🚨
Russell Martin was appointed Rangers manager in June 2025, on a three-year contract. Expectations were high, especially after Rangers were taken over by new ownership (led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises).
However, the start to the season has been rough:
•Rangers have yet to win a Scottish Premiership match this season (as of mid-September 2025).
•There was a notably heavy defeat in the Champions League play-offs: eliminated by Club Brugge with a 9-1 aggregate.
•Fan frustrations are rising, protest actions are being organized, and many are calling for Martin’s dismissal.
Given all this, the club’s leadership has had to address the mounting pressure and uncertainty around Martin’s future.
What the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) and Fans Say
An official body representing fans, the Rangers Fan Advisory Board, has played a central role in communicating supporters’ concerns to the club. Key points:
•They had a lengthy meeting (over two hours) with top club officials including CEO Patrick Stewart, Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell, and others.
•The FAB made “the strength of feeling … on the performance of the manager” clear. They expressed concern not just about results but the style of play, team performance, and other first-team issues.
•While voicing criticism, the FAB also noted that the club leadership “continues to back the manager” even though they “forcibly challenged” that backing in the meeting.
To many fans, this backing from the board appears increasingly fragile in practice, even if officially it’s still in place.
The Official Statement / Club’s Position
What the club (board/front office) has done / said in response:
•Support from the Board: Despite poor results and fan protests, the board has reaffirmed its backing for Martin. Notably, after the defeat to Hearts, when pressure was high, the board insisted that Martin is not under immediate threat.
•Chairman’s Message: Chairman Andrew Cavenagh addressed the squad (players and staff) and made clear that they still believe in the plan that was laid down when Martin was appointed.
•Martin’s Acknowledgement: Martin himself has publicly said that he feels supported by the owners and that there has been no change in how they view his job—if anything, he’s said he feels more backing than ever in recent weeks.
•Call for Improvement: Though there is support, the club (and Martin) accept that things must improve—quickly.
The Tension: Support vs. Performance
The situation is tense and precarious. Some of the dynamics happening:
•Fan discontent is vocal and organized: chants during games, banners, protests (not just random booing) are taking place.
•Internal pressure: It’s not only fans. The Fan Advisory Board raised concerns about not just results but “other issues relating to the men’s first team that continue to cause great concern.”
•Boardroom awareness: The club leadership seems aware of the risk—this isn’t being treated as mere fan noise. They have held talks, responded publicly, and tried to manage the narrative.
•Martin’s response and resilience: Martin has said he will not resign, he’s recognizing the difficulties, including that some players are “scared” by the atmosphere. But also that he remains committed.
Risks & What Could Happen Next
Given everything, here are some possible scenarios and risks:
1.Short-Term Results Are Key
Martin needs wins soon. A run of poor results could force the hand of the board, especially if fan unrest starts impacting revenue, attendance, or overall club morale.
2.Increased Scrutiny Isn’t Going Away
The board might increasingly be pushed to issue more detailed statements or take some visible action to satisfy disgruntled fans. If backing stays public but performance doesn’t improve, credibility might erode further.
3.Possible Managerial Change
If results continue to disappoint, it wouldn’t be surprising if the board starts looking for an exit plan. But as of now, that hasn’t been declared.
4.Wider Changes May Be Demanded
Some fans are also calling for changes in the executive leadership—not just Martin. The appointment of Martin, how transfers have gone, performances, etc., are under question. The FAB meeting touched on broader first‐team issues.
5.Need for Improved Culture & Cohesion
It seems there are internal struggles—players haven’t consistently performed to their training level, the mental and physical load might be heavy, and there are emotional consequences (e.g. players being described as “scared” of the atmosphere). Fixing that is part of what the board is hoping Martin and his staff will do.
Summary — Where Things Stand
•Officially: Rangers FC still supports Russell Martin. The board, including Chairman Andrew Cavenagh, CEO Patrick Stewart, and Kevin Thelwell, have publicly and privately reaffirmed that support.
•Unofficially / Among fans: Support is waning, frustration is high, and many want change. The Fan Advisory Board has made this clear to the club hierarchy.
•Martin’s Position: He is under pressure but remains resolute. He has said he will not resign. He feels backed, though he knows the expectations are rising.
