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.      

Rangers sign Tottenham Hotspur winger Mikey Moore on a season-long loan

Rangers have completed the signing of Tottenham Hotspur winger Mikey Moore on a season-loan subject to international clearance.   The 17-year-old becomes Russell Martin’s 7th summer signing as the rebuild continues at the Light Blues. Moore has came through the youth ranks at the Lilywhites and was the youngest player to start for the club in a league match since 1993. The winger scored his first ever professional goal in the Europa League against Elfsborg, making him England’s youngest-ever goal scorer in a European competition. Speaking to the Rangers official club website, the England under-19s international spoke about how he and his family have always had a deep love for the Ibrox club: “I’m excited to get going. As soon as I heard Rangers were interested and wanted me to come, it was a massive opportunity for me. “I’m excited to be here and hopefully I can show the fans and everyone what I can do. “I think with the new boss and the way that we play, it’s a great place to be at the minute. It was a pretty easy decision for me to come here.” The Rangers boss also told the club website that despite Moore’s age, he believes he can make a big impact on the team: “We are thrilled to bring Mikey on loan for this season. “His profile as a brave, aggressive attacking player is one that we were keen to add to the squad, and he is certainly a player who, despite his age, can make an impact on the team from day one. “He is a player with huge potential, and it is testament to his quality that he has been entrusted by Spurs in both the Premier League and UEFA Europa League with such regularity over the last 18 months.  

Solid starts in Europe for Dundee United and Hibernian

Dundee United and Hibernian kick started their European campaigns as United defeated Una Strassen 1-0 in their Europa Conference second qualifier and the Hibees got an important 1-1 draw away from home against FC Midtylland in their Europa League second qualifier. FC Midtylland 1-1 Hibernian  David Gray’s men had a dream start in Denmark all thanks Jamie McGrath opening the scoring as his free-kick found it’s way into the net from the wide left of the pitch. The Danish side struggled to get to grips at the start, but grew into the game and pulled back an equaliser at the 72nd minute as Aral Simsir slotted away a lovely free-kick. Gray spoke after the game about how proud he was of his side’s performance: “We spoke about deserving the opportunity for how well we played last season and what we achieved last season. “But you need to come to these places and believe you can get a result and I think the way we started the game, every player definitely did that. “We were on the front foot straight away. The first 20 minutes I thought we were excellent. “We had to defend, I thought that was excellent. So really proud of the effort from every single player. “But I’ve just been very quick to remind everyone that it’s only part one, that’s half time in the tie.” Dundee United 1-0 Una Strassen  Jim Goodwin’s men played in front of 11,000 people at Tannadice as seven of the nine signings made by the Terrors started the game. New summer signing Zac Sapsford got his United career off to a flying start as his strike went into the bottom left hand corner at the 47th minute. Goodwin’s team were fairly in control and he believes that his side should be in a more comfortable position going into the second leg. He said after the game: “We’re pleased with the clean sheet and we scored a really good goal with a bit of quality and it was a wonderful strike. “I think there are certain elements we need to do better in. We turned over possession far too cheaply which led to counters but defensively we were very good. “There were certainly moments in the game where we need to improve. I thought when we did move the ball quickly and found pockets, we looked a threat but we’ve left at least a couple of goals out there. “Vicko Sevelj had a great chance but credit to the keeper who made a good save. “The disappointment is more the fact we didn’t do ourselves justice in the second half. Our possession on the ball, we didn’t move it quickly enough.“ We were too sloppy and we’ll try to improve those things. It’s still very early days for this group of players but there’s a lot to work on going into next week. “I don’t mean to sound doom and gloom, I’m just disappointed we didn’t make it more comfortable.”