Russell Martin’s Celtic Comment Sparks Fire as He Emerges as Rangers Favorite
Russell Martin, the former Southampton manager, has ignited a storm in Scottish football with a resurfaced comment about Celtic, trending across social media just as he’s named the frontrunner for the Rangers managerial job. The 39-year-old, who played briefly for Rangers on loan in 2018, is reportedly close to sealing the Ibrox hotseat following the club’s takeover by US tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises. However, a brutal remark from his past has Celtic and Rangers fans in a frenzy.
During his time as a player, Martin faced Celtic under Brendan Rodgers’ management, enduring a humiliating 5-0 defeat in 2018, where Odsonne Edouard’s brace and goals from James Forrest, Tom Rogic, and Callum McGregor left Rangers reeling. Reflecting on that match, Martin reportedly described Celtic’s dominance as “a relentless machine” that “crushed” his side, a comment now circulating widely on platforms like X. Celtic fans have latched onto the quote, hailing it as proof of their superiority, while Rangers supporters are fuming, labeling the potential appointment “underwhelming.” A poll by Ibrox Noise revealed 95% of Rangers fans oppose Martin’s hiring, fearing he lacks the edge to challenge Celtic’s 13 titles in 14 years.
Martin’s possession-based philosophy, honed at MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton, promises an attractive style but raises doubts about its fit for the high-stakes Old Firm derby or European competition. Former teammate Angus Gunn praised Martin’s “intellectual” approach and leadership, citing his Norwich days, but critics like Jim White argue Rangers “could do better” given Martin’s lackluster Premier League stint.
Celtic diehards, including talkSPORT’s Alan Brazil, have mocked the appointment rumors, with ex-player Bobby Petta claiming Rodgers won’t fear Martin’s Rangers. Meanwhile, Ally McCoist, while acknowledging fan discontent, urged giving Martin a chance, emphasizing the need for the new owners to back him with a rumored £20m investment.
As Martin edges closer to the role, his Celtic comment has only fueled the rivalry’s flames. Whether he can transform Rangers and silence doubters remains to be seen, but for now, his past words have made him a lightning rod for controversy in Glasgow’s football cauldron.
