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Why did Rangers appoint Martin?
TL;DR
Rangers appointed Russell Martin as their new manager, a decision that has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts. The rationale behind this choice, along with Celtic's appointment of Wilfried Nancy, has been questioned due to their perceived lack of experience.
Key points
- Rangers appointed Russell Martin as their new manager
- Decision has raised skepticism among fans and analysts
- Celtic appointed Wilfried Nancy simultaneously
- Criticism focuses on perceived lack of experience
- Concerns about board decision-making processes
[BBC]
BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your questions on Rangers.
Brian asked: Can you give us your insight as to why both Rangers and Celtic appointed Russell Martin and Wilfried Nancy respectively. Just listening to the pair of them spout their nonsensical speak - I would call it guff - surely would put up so many red flags.
Tom answered: It never ceases to amaze me how very successful people on the boards of major football clubs can make the kind of decisions Rangers and Celtic made not just in appointing Martin and Nancy but in appointing the people who facilitated their appointment.
Martin interviewed well. I know somebody who was very close to the negotiations and, apparently, he spoke brilliantly. At one time, Davide Ancelotti was favourite, but Martin "blew us away" in his last chat before he was appointed.
The board's job is to cut through the fast talk and blue sky thinking, though. And they didn't. There was very little to suggest Martin was going to be a success at Rangers.
For me, he never understood his new reality in Glasgow and it did for him. A very, very costly decision, but it was one of many Rangers made. Kevin Thelwell?
As for Nancy. Again, he interviewed well. He said the right things. He offered a vision of fantastic attacking football, a reinvention of the wheel. And Celtic bought it. Maybe they thought he was the new Ange Postecoglou. Nancy - what a surreal chapter that was.
They also had Paul Tisdale in a senior position at the time and Tisdale was very much batting for Nancy. With Nancy, you have to look at Tisdale and if you look at Tisdale you have to look at the senior person/people at the club who thought he was a good appointment. Sometimes, this stuff baffles me.
Simon asked: Tom, do you think this season's exciting run-in will lead to higher TV rights income for Rangers in 2026/27? Our matchday receipts are currently our dominant source of income in contrast to EPL clubs. Higher broadcast income would enable us to buy higher calibre players.
Tom answered: No, Simon, I don't. First of all, the current main TV deal with Sky runs until 2028-29 so there won't be any extra cash coming regardless of how exciting a season it has been.
Secondly, for a club the size of Rangers, the Scottish TV money is relatively small in any event. The same goes for Celtic.
The cash cow is European football - obviously, Champions League is where the real loot is to be found, but Europa League is not to be sniffed at. And player trading. Domestic television revenues on their own are nice as a top-up to your transfer budget but that's about it.
Graham asked: Have Rangers made a mistake in giving John Souttar a new contract? He seems to have lost a yard and become a weak link.
Tom answered: He hasn't had a great season, has he? But I still rate him. He's in a bit of a mini-slump but he's a good player and I think he'll come good again.
The club were sensible to give him a new deal. A fully fit and confident Souttar is a strong asset.
Q&A
Why did Rangers choose Russell Martin as their manager?
Rangers appointed Russell Martin as their manager, but the decision has been met with skepticism regarding his experience and suitability for the role.
What are the criticisms of Russell Martin's appointment at Rangers?
Critics have expressed concerns that Martin's appointment reflects poor decision-making by the club's board, citing his lack of experience in high-pressure environments.
Who else was appointed alongside Russell Martin in Scottish football?
Celtic appointed Wilfried Nancy as their manager at the same time Rangers appointed Russell Martin, leading to comparisons between the two decisions.
What has been the reaction from fans regarding the appointments of Martin and Nancy?
Fans have reacted with skepticism to the appointments of both Martin and Nancy, questioning the boards' judgment in selecting managers perceived as inexperienced.
