Without a magic, mystic ball, no-one knows if Martin might change his approach. But many would guess no.
Throughout his relatively short managerial career, Martin has rarely, if ever, wavered.
When his possession-based style took Southampton up to the Premier League via the play-offs last season, he said it would be “illogical” to turn his back on his principles.
Following 13 defeats in 16 top-flight games, he was sacked as the methodology ultimately backfired with a squad lacking in Premier League experience.
At the time of his exit – 15 December 2024 – three grim stats stood out:
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Only four teams have had a worse goal difference after 16 Premier League matches of a campaign than Southampton’s -25
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Southampton had more errors leading to goals than anyone else at (10) and more mistakes leading to shots than any other side (26)
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Saints faced 108 shots on target – the most in the Premier League
Though Martin appears to have the backing of the Rangers board, McCann believed the boss looked “uncomfortable” at the full-time whistle on Saturday and there “was almost a resignation” when the fans were venting their fury.
“I know he’s not one for walking away, but when the fans show their disdain and their real displeasure like that, then it’s really difficult to come through it,” McCann said.
“He would have to go on an enormous run to turn that fanbase because they demand better.”
A home League Cup quarter-final with Hibernian on Saturday (17:45 BST) comes next before the Europa League league phase kicks off against Genk (Thursday, 25 September, 20:00).
By the time Rangers return to domestic league duties – at Livingston on Sunday, 28 September – they could be bottom of the table, should Aberdeen and Dundee pick up wins and rack up some goals the day before.
That seems unfathomable.
Bill Shankly once said “football is a simple game”. Nothing seems simple for Rangers right now.
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