Is Russell Martin the Most Unliked Manager in Rangers History?
Few jobs in football come with as much pressure as managing Rangers. From legendary figures like Walter Smith to those who struggled to win over the Ibrox faithful, every manager is judged by results, style, and their ability to understand the club’s culture. When Russell Martin was appointed, the reaction was mixed at best. Today, many fans see him as one of the most unliked managers in Rangers history. But does he truly deserve that title?
Early Reactions: A Tough Sell from the Start
From the moment Martin arrived, his appointment raised eyebrows. Unlike managers with big-name pedigree or deep ties to Rangers, Martin came with a modest playing career and only a handful of years in management. While he’d shown promise with his philosophy of possession-based football, questions immediately surfaced:
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Did he have the experience to manage a club of Rangers’ stature?
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Could his style work in Scottish football, where intensity and results often matter more than patient build-up?
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Most importantly — could he win over the Ibrox crowd, one of the most demanding fanbases in football?
The initial scepticism set the tone. And in football, first impressions are difficult to shake.
Style vs. Substance
One of Martin’s biggest criticisms has been his tactical approach. He champions a modern, passing style, often praised for bravery but accused of being too slow and risky in Scottish conditions.
For many fans, this is where frustration grows. Rangers supporters want results — dominant football that secures trophies and asserts authority over rivals. When performances look fragile or overly complicated, the style quickly becomes a point of division.
Some argue Martin is trying to modernise Rangers, while others feel he is imposing a philosophy that doesn’t suit the squad or league.
Comparing to Past “Unliked” Managers
To call Martin the most unliked manager in Rangers history is bold. The club has seen other unpopular figures, from short-lived appointments to those who failed to deliver in Europe or against Celtic.
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Paul Le Guen (2006–07): Arrived with huge hype from Lyon but struggled to adapt to Scottish football. His reign was short, and many labelled it a disaster.
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Pedro Caixinha (2017): His tenure is often remembered for chaos, bizarre press conferences, and disappointing results. He quickly became a figure of ridicule.
Compared to these names, Martin’s time isn’t necessarily the worst — but what makes him stand out is how quickly and widely discontent has spread, even compared to managers who had worse records on paper.
The Weight of Expectations
At Rangers, being “unliked” doesn’t always come down to results alone. It’s about how a manager represents the club, handles the pressure, and earns the respect of supporters.
Martin faces the unique challenge of stepping into a role with:
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High expectations for instant success.
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Direct comparison to Celtic’s progress.
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A fanbase with little patience for long-term experiments.
In this environment, even small missteps become magnified.
Is It Fair?
Calling Martin the most unliked manager in Rangers history may be harsh. His record doesn’t place him at the very bottom, and he hasn’t had the same level of meltdown moments as others before him. However, the combination of scepticism from day one, frustrating performances, and lack of emotional connection with fans has made him feel especially unpopular.
The truth is, Rangers fans are passionate and unforgiving — but they are also loyal when given a reason. If Martin finds a way to deliver consistent results, beat Celtic, and bring home silverware, perceptions could change quickly.
Final Thoughts
Russell Martin’s tenure at Rangers is a story still being written. For now, he stands as one of the more unliked managers of the modern era, largely due to timing, style, and fan expectations. Whether history judges him as a failure or as a misunderstood moderniser will depend entirely on what happens next.
At Rangers, managers can go from doubted to beloved almost overnight — but only if they deliver where it matters most: on the pitch, with trophies in hand.