Will previous calls sway Rangers as Martin pressure mounts?

Ally McCoist, the ex-Ibrox manager, made a point during a television broadcast about Rangers’ Europa League defeat by Sturm Graz.

“Why do you get rid of Giovanni van Bronckhorst?” is the question that is obvious. He said something unexpectedly.

Why should you get rid of a man who won the penalty-heavy European final?

They have a significant backwards, I tell them, but it hurts me to say that.

Van Bronckhorst’s dismissal in November 2022, after only 12 months in charge, was a reference to McCoist’s statement.

He had won the first Scottish Cup in 13 years and had already helped Rangers reach the Europa League final when they agonized over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Following Thursday’s 2-1 defeat, McCoist’s point gave people pause to consider. It’s easy to disagree with his claim that, under Michael Beale, Philippe Clement, and now in the early stages of Russell Martin’s tenure, there hasn’t been much progress at Ibrox.

Rangers have come a long way from where they were after hiring and firing in recent years. Repeating the process with the same result.

The lesson from McCoist’s point, perhaps unintended, may be that, especially when it is very early in a project, change isn’t always the right choice.

Van Bronckhorst only received a year’s worth of awards despite achieving European glory. Martin’s bank has far less fan goodwill than Martin.

Rangers are now, of course, under new leadership following the US-led acquisition by Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and 49er Enterprises.

They are very much responsible for Martin’s appointment, but they cannot be held accountable for previous decisions.

Rangers’ CEO Patrick Stewart stated at the unveiling that “we wanted a coach who will excel in terms of how we want to play, improve our culture, develop our squad, and ultimately win games.” Russell made a strong choice.

We think Russell can enhance on-pitch performance while also fostering the culture and infrastructure necessary for consistent and long-term success, Cavenagh said.

Van Bronckhorst’s demise is where many people wanted him, but not with the same ferocity as Martin does.

How many people would welcome him back today or wish to travel to a time when the European finals seemed feasible?

After a brief spell at Besiktas, Dutch manager Arne Slot appointed him as Anfield assistant manager this summer, showing that his credentials are highly valued by English Premier League-winning manager Arne Slot.

However, Steven Gerrard’s long-awaited Scottish title and uninspiring domestic displays balanced his high points.

Although Rangers were unprepared for that stage at the time, and the financial boost was most appreciated, it only added to their woes.

There is no denying that former Heart of Midlothian and Dundee United head coach Robbie Neilson had a say in the Scottish Football Podcast when he said, “We are starting to spiral and we’re getting to that point where the players’ negative attitude is definitely having an impact.”

“Wining football games is the only way to turn that,” he said. The only way they can win is if they can get the squad to win six, seven, and eight consecutive victories.

Russell Martin appears to have put “a lot of pressure” on himself to try to discredit the players.

“But I believe it’s starting to hurt the players as well right now because it’s at an extreme stage.”

However, Martin and the board are disputing previously unobserved levels of negativity. The support is encircled by an all-consuming crescendo of evil will that extends far and wide.

Despite the growing consensus over the past few weeks that even an extended run of positive results won’t change a support that appears to be turning, those in charge have remained firm so far.

Despite the lack of evidence at the moment, might McCoist’s point give cred to the notion that sticking with Martin might yield longer-term benefits?