Russell Martin and the Inevitable Side-Door Exit

Supporters Sound Off

A moderated forum created for followers of Scottish football to evaluate their squads openly, the fan feedback line buzzed with activity this past Sunday. So overwhelming that the operators were sorting through comments left by followers of a specific Glasgow side who expressed their anger regarding “the dull, unbearable rubbish” they’d just been forced to sit through by “players not good enough” who “appear clueless”. Interestingly, these appraisals were some of the milder ones submitted by disgruntled followers of Celtic who had just seen their team win versus Motherwell.

While there was no shortage of the Ibrox faithful on the forum getting their radge on, those who travelled to Falkirk to see a fifth league draw in seven games chose a more confrontational tactic to showing their dissatisfaction. Having booed their team off the pitch, some proceeded to the team bus zone to conduct a threatening blockade before the squad’s vehicle. What happened in Falkirk are best kept local, was the common opinion, although the key figure of their ire left via an alternate route and had a security detail with equestrian units to an awaiting vehicle. “The events disturbed me since it appeared like lawlessness and there’s no room for that stated a former star currently a media personality on the wireless, discussing the ugly and inappropriate aftermath triggered by angry fans. “But where I will stand up is to say the fans have every right to protest, can rightly share their thoughts. I fully understand that.”

The Departure and the Aftermath

Having made his getaway supported by law enforcement, it was later revealed that the manager had been sacked from his role at the club by the leadership group responsible for a confusing appointment to hire him initially. An appointment so disliked that even a serial Rangers-baiter could have been more accepted, Martin immediately found himself on the receiving end of abuse from the club’s supporters that grew louder in preparatory games, a heavy 6-0 defeat in a cup competition by Club Brugge and a Premiership run that has been little short of disastrous. He exits as the shortest-serving manager in the team’s storied past remaining in charge for fewer days than another international manager who once said sorry to supporters from behind a barrier in a European fixture.

A Pattern of Failure

As expected, sorry always seemed to be the hardest word for the manager, who frequently presented as aloof and supercilious when publicly throwing his players under the bus or responding to reasonable queries about their and his own myriad shortcomings. A man who always conveyed the impression he felt supporters and staff must be grateful a manager with his skills had chosen to accept the role, he exits with a likely substantial compensation for his underwhelming results. And while his appointment was arguably the most obviously flawed in the break, it may not have been the most expensive. A summer recruitment drive included the incoming proprietors allocating around £30m for eight fresh signings, the bulk of these are so bobbins they can’t even get into the starting lineup now ranked eighth in the Scottish Premiership with a negative goal difference.

Management Stress and Next Steps

Having been appointed chief executive last November after a long tenure in a subordinate job at Old Trafford, The club official has now become the notable exception to the prevailing rule that individuals departing the club excel in future positions. Already under scrutiny of various uncomplaining rants on the fan hotlines, he desperately needs a smart replacement strategy or he’ll be next out the door, thus locals might anticipate the pursuit of a different coach to light up the sky over Ibrox very soon.

Notable Statement

“I see it as an exciting opportunity. One must be ready for the battle and the hardship. It would be foolish for me at the age of 60 if I were without conviction or spirit. During my childhood I challenged individuals who were stronger than me” – Ange Postecoglou is feeling bullish, and he’s determined to convince the club’s board to trust his approach when he holds talks with the known tolerant proprietor this week.

Supporter Correspondence

“Concerning the local rivalry result. As someone born in the early 80s, following a long period of Old Firm success mixed with total disregard for supporters of smaller clubs – and theories about unfairness - I do hope the Tynecastle club becomes champion” – A supporter.

“I don’t suppose there is any chance you will start giving away the podcast merchandise since you likely possess 1,057 stashed in a cupboard in your building? I damaged (to be honest) my previous one” – Padhraig Higgins.

“It is clearly evident that the manager is not the problem in the organization. It is the owner, who does not accept opposition! As a lifelong fan of a lower-league team close to the home ground, admire the former coach since, for the benefit of the team, he stood up to the owner. Let’s hope that the owner examines his own actions – surprisingly enough –and on this occasion acknowledges his error. I doubt it will happen” – An older fan.

“I would not normally to endorse the detail-focus of some correspondents however, the timeframe from September to October amounts to 22 days, equating to over three weeks rather than exactly three weeks. Seven fixtures during that span averages 2.23 per week not 2.33, {which works out to an extra less than 14