With the dust still settling around Russell Martin’s appointment as Rangers head coach, there’s plenty to be optimistic about—and just as much to keep a watchful eye on.
On paper, Martin seems like the right man at the right time.
But if he’s going to succeed in Glasgow, he’ll need to bring more than a well-groomed haircut and idealistic tactics.
Why Martin’s Appointment Makes Sense
The basics are all there. Rangers have long needed a defined style of play, and Martin is bringing one with intensity at its core.
He’s known for his strong man-management, something crucial for a squad that has looked mentally fragile in recent seasons.
His record against teams that sit deep is promising—something Rangers have struggled with time and again domestically.
But football isn’t played on paper, and Martin can’t afford to be rigid.
Tactics need to flex, and decisions must be rooted in what the team needs, not in romantic visions.
The Tavernier Conundrum
Captain James Tavernier has become a divisive figure.
Once a standout, his decline has been evident.
At nearly 34, he no longer has the pace or sharpness that once balanced out his defensive lapses. Fans have noticed.
Under former boss Philippe Clement, Tavernier was even dropped at times.
Martin’s opening remarks spoke of “new energy” and “a fresh start.”
Yet, he still referred to Tavernier as “hugely important.” That feels contradictory.
At best, Tavernier can serve as a locker room leader or club captain.
But if Rangers want to challenge Celtic and make an impact in Europe, he cannot remain a first-choice pick.
Domestic Goals Versus European Reality
Domestically, Rangers’ problem isn’t Celtic—it’s the mid-table grind.
Hibs, St Mirren, Motherwell. These are the teams that have undone title hopes.
Martin’s structured, high-intensity game might be perfect for breaking down the low block defenses.
But Europe is a different beast. Against teams with bigger budgets and more talent, Martin’s idealistic style won’t hold up.
He’ll need a Plan B—counterattacking football, pragmatism, adaptability.
Rangers must evolve if they want to keep their place in the European spotlight.
The Bigger Picture and the American Influence
There’s more at play here than winning titles.
The potential influence of investors like Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises hints at an eye toward future cross-border leagues and UEFA shakeups.
To remain relevant in those conversations, Rangers must keep punching above their weight in Europe.
From Gerrard to now, the club has made Europe a priority.
That must continue. But winning against teams like Borussia Dortmund or Galatasaray means more than sticking to a script—it means being clever and adaptable.
Lessons from Martin’s Past
Martin’s tenure at Southampton in the Premier League should serve as a warning.
He stayed loyal to his style and paid the price—just one win in 16 matches.
Against top opposition, there’s no room for tactical stubbornness.
He’ll need to work closely with new sporting director Kevin Thelwell to get recruitment right. Bad signings won’t cut it anymore.
A Clear Starting Point for Rebuild
If Martin wants to hit the ground running, he should look no further than the right-back position. Tavernier’s replacement must be a priority.
Rangers need a dependable, dynamic presence in that role to fix a weakness exploited time and again.
Idah’s Not-So-Convincing Celtic Audition
Over at Celtic, the situation with Adam Idah is no clearer.
Despite an £8.5 million price tag, the striker has raised eyebrows with questionable off-field behaviour and underwhelming justification for it.
Celtic need more than a player who defends partying with “I’m a human being.”
To lead the line, you need more than just talent—you need dedication.
Scotland Stalling Under Clarke
On the international front, Steve Clarke’s Scotland looks increasingly flat.
A golden midfield core is being let down by aging defenders, thin striking options, and a manager who seems to be coasting to the end of his contract. After Euro 2024, a fresh start should’ve been in order.
It’s a strange moment for Scottish football—both full of potential and haunted by the fear of wasting it.
Whether it’s Rangers rebuilding at Ibrox, Celtic needing more from key signings, or the national team crying out for a reboot, one thing’s clear: it’s time to stop treading water and start swimming toward something better.