Crook cautions Rangers hierarchy: sacking Martin would expose flawed summer strategy

Journalist Alex Crook has delivered a stark warning to Rangers’ board and executives, insisting that removing Russell Martin at this stage would force scrutiny on those who brought him in. Speaking on talkSPORT, Crook argued the circumstances surrounding Martin’s appointment have already been mishandled — and firing him so soon would magnify the missteps.

Crook claimed that Martin was not the club’s preferred candidate initially. According to the pundit, Ibrox had considered high-profile names such as Steven Gerrard and José Mourinho before settling on Martin late in the summer. He described the entire recruitment timeline as “a little bit of a mess,” noting it left the managerial appointment rushed and reactive.

The journalist maintains that if Rangers were to part ways with Martin prematurely, the spotlight must shift not just to the manager’s performance but to the decision makers behind his hiring. Crook insisted that accountability must extend to those who greenlit his appointment — a position that, in his view, is already vulnerable.

Martin’s tenure has been under mounting pressure. His team’s form has been inconsistent; they failed to collect points in European competition and have struggled domestically. The defeat to Sturm Graz has only intensified calls for change. Critics point to subpar recruitment under Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell, suggesting few of the summer signings have delivered. Crook believes Thelwell’s influence in assembling the squad merits close evaluation if the club opts for a fresh start.

Supporters have not been shy in voicing their dissatisfaction. Fan groups, including the Rangers Supporters Association, accuse the club of damaging its reputation by retaining Martin despite mounting losses and a lack of stability.

Yet, despite the backlash, the Rangers board has so far upheld its backing of Martin and the club’s senior management. It appears unwilling to act precipitously, even as pressure from the terraces continues to escalate.

Crook’s warning underscores the broader risks: beyond the optics of dismissing a manager early, the deeper issue is the integrity of the club’s decision-making. If Martin is shown the door, he may well be the immediate casualty — but the longer-term damage could fall on those who orchestrated his arrival in the first place.