Martin defends Rangers tenure as club braces for cup clash amid protests

Russell Martin defended his tenure as Rangers manager ahead of Saturday's Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Hibernian, insisting he can still deliver success despite protests from sections of the fanbase. He said he has the backing of chairman Andrew Cavenagh and the American consortium that now runs Edmiston Drive, and urged patience as the team navigates a difficult spell.

Martin described last week's decision to take the squad away to Loch Lomond for a team-bonding exercise as part of a planned response to the intense scrutiny surrounding the club. 'It has always been a plan, it was just timing when to do it. This city and club are so intense, to step away from it sometimes is a good thing - take a breath and spend some time together when they are not playing football or being worked,' he said. He added that the trip included a long walk and a dip in the water and that the exercise aimed to help the players grow through the pressure. 'The potential for growth in the group... is so big. I enjoyed it,' he said. He also noted he had been ill the previous week and that it was the first walk he’d done in some time.

Martin spoke candidly about the Hearts defeat and his personal strain. 'Last week, I wasn’t very well. I had a chest infection. My daughter’s also been in hospital three nights this week. That gives you perspective, because your kid is poorly and all that stuff,' he said. He understood why supporters would vent their frustration, but added, 'If you want to enjoy it when it’s going well, you have to accept it when it’s not.' He emphasized that the team’s identity and training method remain intact and that results will determine the broader reception from the stands.

'Inside this building, the people here, I feel incredibly well supported—the players, the staff, ownership,' Martin said. 'The people inside the building, there is a huge amount of support. Patrick's leadership is strong, and he’s been consistent, which is all you want in a leadership role.' He added that he believed the ownership, including Patrick Stewart, genuinely cares about making the club successful and sustainable again, cautions that those in charge are targets for frustration when results fall short. 'Ultimately, we have to win matches, and hopefully the noise will die down once we start to win,' he said.

Nico Raskin returned to training with the first-team squad and could be involved for the cup tie. 'Nico has trained really well this week. I think in that situation, maybe it’s a necessary thing for this group to improve. I think it will be a really important period for Nico’s growth as a human being. He’s in a good place and I’m looking forward to having him back in,' Martin said.