# Russell Martin Set to Do What No Other Manager Has Done Before and Break Scottish Tradition Against Hibs
In the cauldron of Ibrox Stadium, where Rangers managers have long been judged by swift results, Russell Martin stands on the precipice of history. The 39-year-old Scottish tactician, appointed in June 2025 on a three-year deal, has endured a torrid start to life at the helm of the Light Blues. With Rangers languishing in 10th place in the Scottish Premiership after five winless games—their worst opening in 47 years—pressure mounts ahead of Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Hibernian. Yet, amid the chaos, Martin is poised to shatter a cherished Scottish tradition: no Rangers boss has ever won just three of their first 12 competitive matches and survived to tell the tale.
Martin’s possession-heavy philosophy, inspired by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, has clashed with the raw intensity of Scottish football. His teams prioritize ball control—Southampton once set a divisional record with 477 first-half passes under him—but Rangers have looked disjointed, scoring sparingly while conceding from set pieces. A humiliating 2-0 home defeat to Hearts last weekend sparked boos and organized fan protests, with thousands vowing to boycott the Hibs clash. Owner Andrew Cavenagh jets in from the US, reportedly eyeing alternatives, as Martin’s 25% win rate teeters on the edge.
The fixture against Hibs adds poetic irony. Martin, a former Scotland international, once played for Rangers on loan in 2018, scoring in a 2-0 win over Hearts but fading into obscurity. Hibs, meanwhile, sit just two points above Rangers despite playing a game fewer, buoyed by a gritty 3-3 draw with Dundee United. Analysts note Rangers’ vulnerability: they thrive without the ball in pressing phases but crumble under sustained pressure. Hibs could exploit this, targeting Martin’s stubborn refusal to adapt— a flaw that cost him his Southampton job after relegation fodder in the Premier League.
Yet, victory here could redefine Martin’s legacy. No predecessor— not even legends like Walter Smith—faced such early ignominy and rebounded. A win would end the winless streak, silence doubters, and break the tradition of knee-jerk sackings that has plagued Ibrox. As former teammate Alan Hutton warns, defeat spells doom. For Martin, this is sink-or-swim: etch his name in folklore or join the footnotes of failed experiments.
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