Russell Martin ‘achieves’ the worst Rangers start since 1989 | OneFootball

Rangers’ start to the new season has plunged the support into frustration as Russell Martin’s men stumble badly. The team sits in one of its weakest early-season positions since the late 1980s, and the parallels with 1989 are uncomfortable. Back then, Rangers were rooted to the bottom of the league going into the third match at Parkhead. This time, the side is only two points better off, but the comparison still paints a damning picture.

The numbers do not lie. In terms of league position and points, Rangers under Martin have started worse than under Pedro Caixinha, Graeme Murty and Mark Warburton. All three of those reigns were panned by supporters for their poor domestic form, yet Martin’s opening weeks have slipped even below their standards. Even the disastrous spells of Paul Le Guen and Ally McCoist offered stronger early-season returns.

Ibrox crowds have made their feelings clear. The drop in confidence around the club is obvious, with fans already debating whether the current manager can recover. Some point to a bedding-in period, but Rangers managers have delivered better results with new squads in the past. Dick Advocaat transformed the club almost overnight, while Walter Smith famously achieved success with minimal additions. Martin’s version has looked blunt and predictable.

The comparison with 1989’s start will not disappear unless Rangers hit form quickly. The historical side recovered that year, but only after a bruising early campaign. Supporters worry that this season’s version may not respond in the same way. The squad looks lacking in cohesion and the key summer signings have yet to make a decisive impact.

The level of opposition faced makes this slump harder to excuse. These early matches have not been against the most formidable domestic rivals, yet the points return has been meagre. Dropped points at home have already put pressure on every upcoming fixture. The trip to Plzen now looms large as a potential tipping point in Martin’s tenure.

The Ibrox board will be watching closely. They will know the numbers from 1989 and the fact that this Rangers side is close to matching them. They also know the long-term cost of falling too far behind in August. Domestic campaigns in Scotland are unforgiving and the early gap to the top can become a chasm by winter.

Rangers need a reaction. The club’s proud tradition and demanding support will not tolerate a season derailed before September. Russell Martin has no choice but to turn performances around immediately or risk becoming part of one of the most unwanted records in the club’s modern history.

If the parallels with 1989 remain after the third match, the conversation may shift from early-season form to whether Rangers require another new direction entirely.