Rangers manager Russell Martin is facing intense pressure ahead of the team’s match against Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup quarterfinals. According to reports, if Martin’s side fails to beat Hibs, he could be sacked as early as Saturday night. The team’s dismal start to the season, with only one win in five league games, has led to widespread criticism and fan protests calling for Martin’s removal.

Reasons Behind the Pressure

– Poor Performance: Rangers have gone five league games without a win and were thrashed 9-1 on aggregate in the Champions League qualifiers against Club Brugge.

– Fan Protests: Supporters have been vocal about their discontent, organizing protests and chanting “sacked in the morning” during the recent match against Hearts.

– Boardroom Concerns: Although the board has publicly backed Martin, sources suggest that patience is wearing thin, and contingency plans are being considered ¹ ².

Potential Replacements

– Steven Gerrard: The former Rangers manager is reportedly one of the top contenders to replace Martin, given his familiarity with the club and success in the past.

– Sean Dyche: Despite being linked to the job, Dyche’s pragmatic style may not align with the board’s preference for attractive, attacking football.

– Danny Rohl: The young German coach has impressed with his progressive tactics and is seen as a bold, if riskier, choice due to his lack of experience managing a club of Rangers’ stature.

– Jose Mourinho: Although Mourinho has been mentioned as a potential option, his high wage demands and transfer market expectations might be too steep for Rangers.

– Barry Ferguson: The Rangers legend could make a return to Ibrox as a potential replacement for Martin.

– Davide Ancelotti: The 36-year-old son of Carlo Ancelotti, known for his progressive youth development at Real Madrid’s Castilla, aligns with the 49ers’ long-term vision of player trading and sustainability ³ ².

What’s Next for Russell Martin?

The upcoming match against Hibernian is crucial for Martin’s future at Rangers. A win might buy him some time, but a loss could seal his fate. With fan protests and boardroom concerns mounting, Martin faces a challenging task to turn the season around ¹.