Rangers Ownership Show Up Rival Celtic’s In Russell Martin Sack Statement

Rangers’ ownership admitted this week that they got the appointment of former manager Russell Martin all wrong.

The Ibrox club sacked Martin earlier this week following a dire start to the season where they have won only once in their opening eight Scottish Premiership clashes.

That win came vs Livingston and courtesy of a stoppage time strike from Max Aarons who sealed a late 2-1 victory at Almondvale.

Martin had alienated fans with treatment of Nico Raskin amid a fallout over leaks while he seemed naive and stuck in his tactical plan while blasting his squad for their mentality.

It was a nightmare stint in general for Martin and his staff who were also dismissed and it culminated in a police escort for the boss following another draw last weekend, this time away to Falkirk.

Gers’ ownership the 49ers group released an open letter to their supporters following their decision to axe the 39-year-old and they held their hands up to take the blame for the hiring in the first place.

Rangers owners accept blame over Russell Martin hiring

In their statement, chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe also revealed the hunt for his replacement is on as sporting director Kevin Thelwell and his staff seek to find the right man.

“As you have seen by now, we are making a change at Rangers and have parted ways with Russell Martin, Matt Gill, and Mike Williamson with thanks for their hard work,” the letter began.

“When we took over the club this summer, we shared what we want to build for Rangers – to win trophies in Scotland and be able to compete at a high level in Europe. We know achieving these goals will take time, but our performances and results have not been good enough. We know you are frustrated – we are too. We did not get this right, and it’s our responsibility to fix it and get us back on track.

“A rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process is already underway, and we are treating it with the urgency it deserves. The two of us are deeply involved, and the evaluation will have our full attention until we are confident we have a leader with the character and skillset to deliver results.

Rangers letter to fans in full after Martin sacking

“Moving forward, we are fully confident in our players, who possess the talent and determination to succeed. At the same time, a great deal of important work is progressing across the club, building out a stable leadership and football structure under Patrick and Kevin’s guidance, advancing detailed plans aligned with our long-term strategy, and beginning the early stages of investment planning for Ibrox.

“Your focus will rightly be what is happening on the pitch, but this work also matters, and it will help lay the foundation for success in the future.

“Change is never easy. But we are not deterred by hard work – in fact we see a great opportunity ahead. The season is not over and we have plenty to play for in all four competitions. Together we are committed to delivering the performances and results that you can be proud of.

“Your loyalty to this club, through thick and thin, is something we do not take for granted. We see the effort and emotion you put into supporting Rangers, and it drives us every day. We intend to earn your trust, because we all share the same goal – restoring success to Rangers.”

Celtic board refuse criticism but could learn from rivals’ accountability

The Rangers statement can certainly teach rivals Celtic about accountability following their own off-field issues.

Hoops fans have been furious at how their club is being run following what was a dismal transfer window this summer.

Chief executive Michael Nicholson, money man Chris McKay and chairman Peter Lawwell have all come under fire with punters calling for the board to be sacked.

And that has stemmed from the window as well as their statement where they blamed everything but themselves including UEFA’s financial rules as well as outside interference.

Fans called for a protest before postponing after a meeting was set up.

But Celtic’s hierarchy have refused to accept blame themselves for issues and that has rankled with the fanbase.

Gers’ owners taking full responsibility over Martin has been acknowledged by supporters and that’s all it took.

Celtic could learn a lesson.