There are poor managerial choices, and then there’s Russell Martin at Rangers. He is so completely unfit for the role that he makes the Mariana Trench seem shallow. Tasked with modernising the club, Martin transformed Ibrox into a tactical nightmare, where ideas falter and fans vent their frustration into their Bovril.
The Football Equivalent of Watching Paint Dry—Then Realising It’s Mould
Martin’s approach is straightforward: pass sideways until the other team loses interest and scores. His teams control possession as if it’s a video game stat but neglect the essential part of actually attacking. Watching Rangers under Martin is like observing someone trying to build IKEA furniture with a spoon. You appreciate the effort but know it will end badly.
Against Hearts, Rangers had 72% possession and still played as if they were blindfolded. The midfield was lifeless. The defence resembled a support group. And the attack? Nowhere to be found.
Tactical Genius or Tactical Con Artist?
Martin speaks like someone who has read too many Pep Guardiola interviews and decided to imitate a football strategist. He claims, “We controlled the game,” after a 3–0 loss or insists, “The process is working,” while fans burn their season tickets.
His tactical changes are so frequent and confusing that it looks like he is playing Football Manager after a few drinks. Back three? Back four? Inverted fullbacks? False nine? It is similar to watching a toddler play with tactical Lego—although the toddler might actually score a goal.
Fanbase Reaction: Boos, Memes, and Existential Dread
The FollowFollow forum has turned into a virtual support group. One fan labelled him “a fraud in a tracksuit”. Another mentioned Martin should be “banned from using a whiteboard ever again.” The atmosphere swings between dark humour and outright anger.
Even TalkSport couldn’t sugarcoat it: “Russell Martin booed off at Ibrox as Rangers slump to humiliating defeat.” It’s dire when neutral pundits start sounding like upset season ticket holders.
Days in Charge 101 – Feels like 1,001 nights of pain.
Martin’s tenure is so brief and disastrous that Transfermarkt might need a new category: Managerial Speedrun – Failure Edition.
The Final Straw: Hearts at Home
Losing to Hearts at Ibrox isn’t just a bad result; it’s a football crime. The team appeared as though they were put together by chance. No urgency, no structure, no idea. Kris Boyd put it best: “One team looked organised… and that was Hearts.” That’s not analysis; that’s a eulogy.
What Happens Now?
Martin claims he won’t resign. Naturally, frauds seldom confess. However, the sack is imminent. Whether it’s tonight, tomorrow, or after one more crushing defeat, the end is inevitable. Rangers fans just hope it happens before he attempts to turn Tavernier into a deep-lying playmaker or changes Butland into a libero.
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