Chris Sutton Forced to Eat His Words as Rangers’ New Head Coach Proves Him Wrong
Two years ago, Chris Sutton, the outspoken Celtic legend and pundit, made headlines with his bold assessment of Russell Martin’s tactical acumen. At the time, Martin was managing Southampton, navigating the challenges of the English Championship. Sutton, never one to shy away from a provocative opinion, described Martin’s approach as overly idealistic, suggesting his possession-based, short-passing style was better suited to lower-tier leagues than the high-pressure environment of elite football. Fast-forward to June 2025, and Sutton has been forced to eat his words as Rangers appoint Martin as their new head coach on a three-year deal, with the former pundit now singing a different tune about the manager’s capabilities.
In 2023, Sutton’s comments on Martin came during a period of scrutiny for the then-Southampton boss. Martin’s team was struggling in the Premier League, and Sutton, speaking on a podcast, questioned whether Martin’s rigid commitment to playing out from the back could succeed against top-tier opposition. “It’s all very pretty, but it’s naive,” Sutton remarked, implying Martin lacked the pragmatism needed to thrive in high-stakes environments like the Scottish Premiership, where Rangers and Celtic battle for supremacy. His remarks were typical of his brash style, designed to provoke debate among fans and pundits alike.
However, Martin’s appointment at Ibrox in June 2025 has prompted a dramatic U-turn from Sutton. The announcement, confirmed by The Guardian, saw Rangers hail Martin as the man to “win matches, win trophies, and give Rangers fans a team they can be proud of.” Sutton, writing in his Daily Record column, expressed astonishment at the backlash from some Rangers supporters who viewed Martin as an underwhelming choice. “Rangers are actually going to try and play some football,” Sutton posted on X, a stark contrast to his earlier skepticism. He now praises Martin’s “distinct playing style,” noting that his success in guiding Southampton to promotion from the Championship in 2024 demonstrates his ability to deliver results under pressure.
Martin’s tactical philosophy, rooted in quick, short passes starting from the goalkeeper, has evolved since his days at MK Dons and Swansea City. His approach, once deemed “naive” by Sutton, is now seen as a potential game-changer for a Rangers side desperate to reclaim dominance in Scottish football. Sutton’s revised stance acknowledges Martin’s growth, admitting that his experience in the Championship and brief Premier League stint has equipped him to handle the intense scrutiny at Ibrox. “This isn’t the Rangers of the nineties,” Sutton wrote. “They’re not getting an elite European boss, but Martin is as good as anyone to rebuild.”
The shift in Sutton’s rhetoric highlights the unpredictable nature of football punditry, where bold predictions can quickly unravel. While some Rangers fans remain skeptical, Martin’s early moves, including targeting a £4m Israeli striker, suggest a clear vision. Sutton’s about-face serves as a reminder that even the most confident pundits must sometimes eat their words when a manager proves them wrong. As Martin embarks on his Ibrox journey, all eyes will be on whether he can deliver the trophies Sutton now believes he’s capable of winning.
Sources:
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The Guardian, June 5, 2025
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Daily Record, June 6, 2025
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Ibrox News, June 4, 2025
