Rangers fans confront club over Russell Martin backing in crisis talks

An officially recognised Rangers supporters group has shared details of a meeting with key figures at Ibrox, who reiterated the club’s backing for under-fire Russell Martin.

Fans have called for Martin to be sacked after a start to the season that has left Rangers with only three wins from 12 games and sitting tenth in the Premiership table.

The Rangers Fan Advisory Board, who represent the support and liaise directly with the club, met with chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell on Wednesday and relayed supporter’s anger at Martin’s record.

They were told that the head coach retains the backing of Rangers’ American owners and will remain in position, a decision the fans say they “forcibly challenged”.

A statement from the group read: “We had a full and frank discussion this afternoon, lasting more than two hours, with CEO Patrick Stewart, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and other club officials.

“We reiterated the fans’ collective strength of feeling on the performance of the manager, as well as other issues relating to the men’s first team that continue to cause great concern to the Rangers support.

“Nothing was left off the table. We appreciate the club dedicating the full agenda to football matters and answering questions raised. Other items, on wider club issues, will be addressed at a separate meeting in the near future.

“The club continues to back the manager – a stance we forcibly challenged. Full minutes of the meeting will be published before the weekend.”

Ultras group Union Bears have already said that they will hold a protest outside Ibrox ahead of Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Hibernian.