Russell Martin’s selection and messaging shifts draw scrutiny at Rangers

Russell Martin’s handling of personnel and public messaging at Rangers has undergone a series of reversals since the start of the 2025–26 season, prompting scrutiny from supporters and commentators over the club’s direction.

The sequence began after Rangers’ opening-day draw at Motherwell, a match described by some observers as an ‘‘atrocious display’’. In the immediate aftermath, Martin delivered a strong dressing-room rebuke in which he criticised what he called the ‘‘Self-Preservation Society’’ inside the squad, and spoke publicly about ego issues. He later framed those comments as coming ‘‘from a place of love’’ and subsequently toned down his public remarks, appearing to back away from the intensity of his initial intervention.

Since that opening-week episode, Martin’s stance on several individual players and selections has shifted. He has declined to discuss in detail the circumstances surrounding Nico Raskin’s omission after the Old Firm derby, saying little in public about the reasons for the change. Kieran Dowell, who was publicly praised by Martin as ‘‘a beast’’ in training and encouraged to have fan support, was left out of Rangers’ Europa League squad the following week.

Similarly, James Tavernier, the club captain and long-time first-choice right back, was omitted from the starting XI for both legs of Rangers’ Champions League qualifying play-off against Club Brugge. That selection decision fuelled debate about whether Martin intended to phase Tavernier out of the side or was experimenting with different tactical options.

Club officials have not issued detailed explanations for the selections and personnel moves, and Martin’s post-match and pre-match briefings have alternated between forthright criticism and more conciliatory language. The pattern of public sternness followed by more tempered comments, alongside notable exclusions from squads and starting XIs, has led to increased attention on the manager’s decision-making process.

Rangers begin the new campaign under expectations to compete domestically and in Europe. Managerial communication and clarity around selection policy are widely regarded as important for dressing-room stability and supporter confidence. Martin took charge amid fans’ hopes that he would stabilise Rangers after recent turbulent seasons, and his early-season handling of personnel has become a focal point for debate about whether the team is moving coherently toward those goals.

Players’ form, fitness and tactical considerations can drive selection changes, and managers frequently adjust both public messaging and lineups as the season develops. Martin’s defenders point out that adaptability is necessary in a congested schedule that includes domestic fixtures and European qualifiers. Critics say the pattern of strong public criticism followed by apparent retreat risks creating mixed signals for players and supporters.

Rangers officials have not confirmed any internal disciplinary processes relating to the selections referenced. Martin and his coaching staff must now balance rotation and tactical experimentation with the need to present a clear and consistent strategy as Rangers negotiate league fixtures and continental qualifying rounds.

The early-season period will remain a test of Martin’s ability to align squad management with public communication. How the manager handles selection transparency and delivers results in upcoming matches is likely to determine whether the initial reversals are seen as adaptive management or as evidence of uncertainty.

Further clarity is expected to emerge as the season progresses and as Rangers publish official squad lists and selection rationales for forthcoming competitions. Martin and the club face increasing pressure to articulate strategy and build consistency on and off the field as the campaign continues.