Should Rangers have appointed Frank Lampard as manager?

Russell Martin was appointed as Rangers manager back in May and it’s safe to say it’s been a complete disaster, with many of the Ibrox faithful calling for him to be sacked. But with the 39-year-old under serious pressure, did the Light Blues miss a trick by not appointing footballing legend Frank Lampard when they had the chance? Two years ago, Michael Beale was sacked as Rangers manager after only 11 months in charge and it left many wondering who would be the ideal replacement. The Light Blues were linked with a host of names, but it came down to two men in the final stages of the interviewing process and that was Philippe Clement and one of the greatest midfielders to ever lace up a pair of boots in Frank Lampard. At the time, Rangers legend Graeme Souness was vocal in his support for Lampard to get the job and he believed he had what it takes to deal with the demands and expectations of being at such a big club. He told TalkSport: “There were two outstanding candidates – Frank and Philippe. The final say wasn’t with me. “For me, Frank had the edge because of this; Frank, I think, has still got a great deal to offer. “Taking the Chelsea job when he did was always going to be very, very difficult. The Everton job is a basket case. “The thing that encouraged me about Frank is he wanted to do it. He doesn’t need the money. He wants to be a successful manager. And he fancied the Rangers job which is a hard place to work, the west of Scotland.” The Englishman started his managerial career seven years ago and it’s been quite a rollercoaster to say the least. Derby County was his first big challenge in the dugout and he done a fine job reaching the play-off final and narrowly missed out on promotion losing 2-1 to an impressive Aston Villa outfit. The work Lampard done at the Rams impressed a certain Mr. Roman Abramovich, and he was then appointed as Chelsea boss in July 2019. Lampard was walking into a club that was hit with a transfer embargo, sold their best player in Eden Hazard, and had no other option but to utilise the Blues’ youth academy. It was always going to be a tough ask for the Romford-born manager but he defied the odds and finished in the top four and reached an FA Cup final. Lampard was instrumental in the development of Mason Mount, Reece James, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Fikayo Tomori – players that have all been capped for England. The following season, Lampard was sacked by Chelsea and the London club went onto win the Champions League. Lampard should get some credit for that success as seven players who started the final were either signed or developed by the Chelsea legend. After a couple difficult spells with Everton, returning to Chelsea again in 2023, and missing out on the Gers job – many were wondering if Lampard was cut out for football management and where he would go from here? On November 2024, Lampard finally made his return to the dugout and it was with struggling Coventry City. It was a big risk for Lampard to take as the club were sitting 17th in the table and effectively in a relegation dog fight. However, Lampard worked miracles and the Sky Blues finished 5th in the league reaching the play-offs – it was an unbelievable turnaround. Lampard’s men have had an incredible start to this season as they’re currently second in the Championship unbeaten with his stock sky high. Even in 2023, Lampard still would have been a perfect for the Ibrox club as they’ve been crying out for a manager with a strong and fierce winning mentality. Steven Gerrard, the same as Lampard are two men that command respect when they walk into any room for what they’ve achieved in the game. The pressures and demands of managing Glasgow Rangers wouldn’t have phased Lampard one bit in the slightest. Lampard has played at the highest level of the game winning three English Premier Leagues and the Champions League. If anyone could have brought the standards back to the fallen Govan club – it would have been him. Rangers are in a mess right now under Martin and with Lampard thriving down south with ambitions to get his men promotion to the Premiership for the first time since 2001. It does make you wonder how differently things could have been for him and Rangers if he was appointed as manager in 2023 instead of Clement.

Russell Martin on what he finds ‘sad’ about the hostile backlash he receives

Russell Martin addresses the intense backlash he’s received from the Rangers faithful and has been told that some of it has gone too far. The under-fire Ibrox boss was subjected to furious chants for his sacking – seconds after Max Aarons scored in stoppage to get the Light Blues’ first league win of the season. Martin’s men have travelled to Austria to face Sturm Graz in their second Europa League game, as they look to try and make it two wins on the bounce. In his pre match press conference before the clash, the 39-year-old spoke about what he finds ‘sad’ regarding the brutal criticism he’s endured: “I walked straight down the tunnel on Sunday because I wanted the players to enjoy it. “They deserved to enjoy it because they played really well in the first half especially. “There is a narrative that it was late and Livingston were unlucky. But we deserved to win the game. “So I wanted the players to enjoy it – then people can choose to turn their attention to me. “I just wish at that point they could enjoy their team winning rather than that energy coming towards me. “The only thing I find sad is when I see kids standing next to their dads and sticking their fingers up at me or swearing at me. “I don’t feel particularly sad about that for me. I feel it’s more about that cycle going on. “Look, I’m here and we’ve made mistakes. “There’s been some tough moments, but we’re giving everything we’ve got to improve the club. As is Kevin (Thelwell), Patrick (Stewart) and the owners. “When you have so much change – and it’s not an excuse – but I think it’s pretty evident it might take some time. “So the criticism aimed at me is fine. I’ve actually had a lot of fans come up to me in the city telling me to ignore it. “They feel it’s gone quite some way over the normal criticism. “I’ve really appreciated that. I think they just want to see their team win. So we have to win games of football. “Inside the building, the players and staff have been amazing. They’re so together. “You saw that in the celebrations on Sunday with the doctor, the physios, the subs, the players who hadn’t even played. “Nedim Bajrami jumped into the crowd and he only played 10 minutes. So I enjoyed that.”

Former Rangers star believes it must be ‘horrible’ what Russell Martin is going through

Russell Martin was beyond relived his side got their first league victory of the season as they defeated Livingston 2-1 thanks to a Max Aarons winner in stoppage time. The Rangers faithful were still calling for Martin to be sacked even during the celebrations after the last minute winner. It’s been well documented that the 39-year-old was never the popular choice and the win against David Martindale’s men appears to have not changed the opinions of the supporters regarding the Englishman. Martin was asked after the game if Aarons’ goal kept him in a job and he said: “I can’t answer that question because it’s not relevant. He scored and I’m in a job.” It’s been a dismal start for Martin in Glasgow only managing to rack up five wins in 15 games and the unrest amongst the fans continues to get worse. Former Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson sympathises with the Ibrox boss but doesn’t believe the result against Livi will change anything. He said to BBC Scotland: “I’ll be honest. I’ve not spoken to any Rangers fan that is in favour of Russell Martin. “It’s not nice. It must be horrible for Russell Martin and his family, anyone connected to him. It’s not nice to see anybody go through that. “But the feelings of the Rangers fans towards the manager, I don’t think a victory against Livingston is going to change anything.”

‘You can’t beat it!’ – Ally McCoist ecstatic after Rangers’ last minute winner

Rangers got their first league victory of the season thanks to Max Aarons’ last gap goal in stoppage time against Livingston.  It was an all important and well needed win for Russell Martin but seconds after the right-back bailed the under-fire Ibrox boss out the Rangers faithful were still chanting for his dismissal. However, footballing icon Ally McCoist watched the game from a pub in London and was over the moon at full-time as the Light Blues picked up the three points. McCoist revealed that the venue was showing the Newcastle vs Arsenal game where Mikel Arteta’s side also bagged a last minute winner and the celebrations were electric: “I sampled it myself at the weekend. “Obviously I went to watch the football, had Viv [wife] down, did the family things on Sunday and went to the pub and watched the football. “I’m sitting there, it was brilliant. “There must’ve been about eight TVs, seven of them showing Newcastle vs Arsenal, and one had Livingston vs Rangers. “And we got a 94th minute winner! “Everybody – and I mean everybody – in the pub was watching Newcastle vs Arsenal and don’t get me wrong I had one eye on it. “Next minute, the guy next to me, I’ve jumped up and screamed at the top of my voice and the guy next to me just about jumped out of his skin because he was watching the Arsenal game. “But that’s what a last minute winner does to me and does to every football fan, you can’t beat it.” Next up for Russell Martin’s men is SK Strum Graz in the Europa League then back to Scottish Premiership action against Falkirk.

‘I’ve actually, in a perverse way, enjoyed that’ – Russell Martin reveals he thrives on the backlash

It’s safe to say Russell Martin has had a tough start to life at Rangers with many of the Ibrox faithful demanding for his sacking but the under fire boss claims he enjoys the hostility towards him.  The Light Blues won their first game in over a month at the weekend defeating Hibernian 2-0 at Ibrox to progress to the Premier Sports Cup semi-final where they’ll have a showdown with Celtic. There were protests before the game outside the stadium against Martin and chief executive Patrick Stewart as the Rangers fans made their feelings known loud and clear. The Gers have won four games out of 13 and currently sit 11th in the Scottish Premiership table only managing to rack up a total of four points from five games. Martin’s side kickstart their Europa League campaign tonight as they take on Genk, another club who aren’t in a great place as they currently sit third bottom in the Belgian Pro League. Despite the furious backlash against Martin, the 39-year-old said he finds enjoyment in it and believes himself and the players could learn from this tough period: “Being a head coach or manager of any team or club is not easy. There’s obviously so many opinions because of the level of interest in this game and how much it means to people. “I’ve actually, in a perverse way, enjoyed that as well. I think you have to try and find enjoyment in everything. “I’ve said to the players, I’ve said to the staff and it counts for us as well as individuals, the amount of growth that can come from this, in this difficult period in learning, could be huge, could be brilliant for everyone, myself included. “We just have to keep working, do what we believe in and trust that the outcome will be positive.”

Axed Rangers boss Philippe Clement claims he’s still ‘well-liked in Glasgow’

Former Rangers boss Philippe Clement claims that he’s still well-liked and appreciated by the Ibrox faithful seven months after his brutal sacking. The Belgian joined the Light Blues in October 2023, replacing then manager Michael Beale but was sacked after only 16 months in charge. The 51-year-old started his time off in Glasgow well as the Gers won the Premier Sports Cup and finished top of their Europa League group, and reached the last 16 of the competition. However, it ended catastrophically the following season as his side were trailing Celtic in the league by 13 points and got dumped out of the Scottish Cup 1-0 to Championship side Queens Park, which ultimately led to Clement’s downfall. Speaking to Belgian media outlet GVA, the Antwerp-born manager said that it’s still difficult to try and get over how he left the Ibrox club: “I sometimes find it hard to put that out of my mind, because the circumstances in which something like that happens aren’t always known to the outside world, and that’s why it’s hard for me to call it dismissal. “The trick is to see through it. I may have joined those clubs at the wrong time. But I’m still well-liked in Monaco and Glasgow because they know the work I’ve done.” The former Monaco boss recently had hip surgery but is looking forward to making a return to the dugout in the near future, he added: “I’m not ready yet, and I’m talking about that hip surgery. I’ve only been walking without crutches since last week. “It won’t be for another two or three weeks before I’m ready to get back into it. “And something will come up. I’m sure of that. I also want to keep working abroad.” “New adventures, new cultures, a certain way of working. I like Belgium, you know, but I was really captivated in Monaco and Glasgow, and I want to keep gaining experience. “Not even as a national coach or anything like that. I still want to be on that pitch, working with the players every day. I still love doing that.”

‘My situation at the club is complicated’ – Nico Raskin breaks silence on Rangers future

Nico Raskin breaks his silence on his Rangers future as he vows to fight for a place in Russell Martin’s team. It’s been a rocky start to the season at Ibrox for Raskin as he was bombed out of the squad for the Light Blues’ Old Firm clash. The 24-year-old wasn’t training with the first team before the derby but the Rangers boss has denied there has been a breakdown in their relationship. The midfielder was able to put his issues at the Govan club behind him, as he scored his first goal for Belgium in their 6-0 victory against Kazakhstan. Raskin is set for showdown talks with Martin and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell after the international break. The former Standard Liege man told Belgian media outlet Voetbalkrant that his situation at the Ibrox club is complicated but doesn’t want to leave anytime soon: “My situation at the club is complicated. I will return, work hard, and try to get playing time again. “But it’s not just up to me. I know this is an important year, and I absolutely want to be part of this campaign with Belgium. “Football is simply a game of ups and downs. I absolutely love Rangers. “I’ve had some great moments there and have a strong bond with the fans. I always try to give my all. “A transfer? No, that’s out of the question. I want to continue to resolve this at the club.” Martin’s side have a huge week ahead of them, as they have an all important league fixture coming up against Hearts at Ibrox as they seek to get their first league win of the season.

Who should be Rangers’ starting right-back?

Max Aarons was Russell Martin’s first summer signing, and with James Tavernier turning 34-years-old this year, who should be Rangers’ starting right-back? Aarons joined the Light Blues from Bournemouth on a season-long loan, and the Englishman has played a total of 14 games in the past year. The 25-year-old has started every game under Martin, and played left-back for the first three games and right-back in the last two. It’s early days for the former Valencia loanee but he has struggled to settle in at Ibrox, as he looked uncomfortable playing on the left-hand side, and made numerous misplaced passes in the 1-1 draw against Dundee and didn’t offer a great deal going forward. Tavernier was brought on for Aarons at the the 64th minute against the Dees and helped salvage a point slotting his penalty away in stoppage time, making it two goals in two league games for Britain’s highest scoring defender. The Bradford-born right-back has had a fine start to the season and looks like he’s back to his best, as he’s had a full pre season behind him – something he never had last season due to injury. Tavernier contributes more in the attack and the 141 goals and 146 assists prove that he’s more effective in that aspect compared to Aarons. It was a bold call from the Rangers boss to drop Tavernier for Aarons in the last two games, but after Aarons’ disappointing display against Steven Pressley’s men – many of the Ibrox faithful are calling for Tavernier to be starting ahead of him. Aarons needs time to settle in and get his confidence up and has showed in the past that he is more than a capable footballer. Tavernier has been a main stay for the Ibrox club over the past ten years and age does catch up with everyone, where he can’t be playing 50 plus games a season, but one thing is for sure he is still a crucial part of Martin’s team. Competition is healthy and every team needs it – and Aarons’ arrival has certainly made Tavernier up his game. Tavernier is in the final year of his contract and is set for his testimonial, and if it’s his last season at the Govan club, he’ll want to make sure he goes out on a high. Martin’s men have a huge August ahead with big games coming up against Celtic and a potential Champions League play-off, where they could return to the group stages for the first time in three years. The Rangers manager needs to go with experience and start Tavernier for these crucial fixtures, which could set the tone for the season.

Viktoria Plzen Vs Rangers Champions League Preview

Rangers will be looking to bounce back following a poor result to Dundee at the weekend as they eye up a spot in the Champions League play-offs by getting the job done against Viktoria Plzen. Russell Martin’s men beat the Czech side with ease last Tuesday at Ibrox 3-0 thanks to a brace from Djeidi Gassama and Cyriel Dessers penalty. If the Light Blues get through tonight, they will be facing Club Brugge or Salzburg in the play-off round. Plzen are also coming into this all important second leg following a 1-1 draw from the weekend against Slovacko, where they conceded a penalty in stoppage time. The Rangers boss spoke to the press yesterday before the second leg and confirmed Thelo Aasgaard, Hamza Igamane, and Mikey Moore will not be in the squad for the game tonight, but will all be available this Saturday for the Premier Sports Cup game against Alloa Athletic. Martin made some bold decisions last week by dropping captain James Tavernier and star midfielder Nicolas Raskin. The Englishman was impressed by Raskin’s reaction after being dropped and his contribution coming on at the weekend: “He came out of the team for reasons that me and him spoke about, and his reaction has been top, like really, really brilliant. “He’s a fantastic player, and he’s a young man that I’m getting to know all the time, and actually I like his character and personality. “It’s my job to make sure, playing for this football club, whoever you are, the demands are clear, in whatever position you play.” The last two games Martin has stuck with the same team but it is expected he will make some changes tonight. Kick-off for the game is at 6pm and is available to watch on Solidsport for £12 in the United Kingdom.

‘He needs time’: Michael Beale defends Russell Martin following poor start

Michael Beale has leapt to the defence of Russell Martin following the Ibrox club’s poor start in the league.  The Light Blues have failed to win their first two league games after drawing to Motherwell and Dundee 1-1 and Martin has come under criticism from the Rangers faithful. Someone who knows the pressures and demands of managing the Govan club is former manager Beale, who managed in Glasgow for 11 months before being sacked in October 2023. The former Sunderland boss appeared on Sky Sports News defending Martin and said the supporters need to give their new boss time: “I dont think we have seen everything from Russell Martin’s team yet, one or two of his key new signings have not been available. “They played very well or did play very well against Viktoria Plzen last week, so it looks like they are going to make a play-off game against Salzburg or Club Brugge, which will be huge for the club. “I think in the summer the club has had a complete reset, and with that it’s going to take time for the new owners to really instil the culture behind the scenes, and for Russell as well. “I wish him well, it’s a huge job but I know he’s super confident, and we exchanged text messages, and I wished him well.” Beale was apart of the coaching staff when the Teddy Bears won their historic 55th league title back in 2021. The Englishman’s last role in football was a brief spell as Steven Gerrard’s assistant manager at Al-Ettifaq.