Russell Martin is aiming to forge a strong bond between his Rangers team and the club's passionate supporters, believing that a powerful connection between the players, fans, and everyone associated with the club will make them a force to be reckoned with.
Martin, who took charge of Rangers recently, is eager to establish this connection right from his first match against Panathinaikos in the Champions League second qualifying round. The first leg is scheduled to take place at Ibrox on Tuesday, and Martin hopes the fans will witness the emergence of a dominant, intense, and aggressive team, reflecting his vision for his tenure.
Speaking with evident enthusiasm, Martin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to manage Rangers, a position he considers an honor. He pledged to dedicate himself entirely to the role, emphasizing that this is what the club, the people, and the supporters demand. The supporters, he noted, will outlast everyone, and he wants to create a team that makes them proud.
Martin hopes that the game against Panathinaikos will be the start of something special, providing fans with something to be excited about and giving the team a boost. He has been impressed with the players' attitude in training, noting their fresh energy, willingness, and openness to new ideas and demands. According to Martin, the biggest challenge for the players is to replicate their training performances in front of 50,000 fans in a game of such significance.
Ahead of the match against Panathinaikos, Martin acknowledged the hard work the squad has put in since his arrival. He feels they are in a good place physically and tactically, and now they need to be ready for whatever the game throws at them.
Martin is also aware of the need for talent and goals within the team. He expressed his excitement about the potential of new signings Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, mentioning that they are working hard to get up to speed after a disrupted pre-season. Martin is exploring ways to utilize both players, potentially even playing them together at times. He also commented on the new signing Jefte, saying that he is an exciting player for the team.
To reinforce the connection between the team and the club's traditions, Martin has welcomed several Rangers legends to the training centre. John Greig, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Richard Gough visited last week to offer positive messages to the squad. Over the weekend, Ian Durrant, John 'Bomber' Brown, and Lee McCulloch also met with Martin, who outlined his vision for the club.
While some fans initially expressed skepticism about Martin's appointment, the backing from these iconic figures has softened some of that doubt. The presence of these legends serves as a reminder of the club's core values and history, which Martin recognizes as essential.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Champions League qualifier, Martin maintains that the tie will not define their season. He views it as an amazing opportunity to build momentum and create a lasting connection with the fans.
