Russell Martin told what will cost him at Leicester City as Rangers deja vu risked in chaotic spell
Ibrox flop boss is treading on thin ice in EFL League One
Former Rangers boss Russell Martin risks losing his job at Leicester City if he doesn’t change his ‘beliefs’, according to ex Premier League gaffer Sam Allardyce.
Having suffered relegation last season, the aim for the Foxes this campaign is instant promotion back to the second tier, however so far they’re not on track. Under Martin’s stewardship they currently sit 10th in EFL League One, already seven points behind the automatic promotion places. A slight midweek reprieve against second-bottom Bromley may have relieved some of the pressure - but for large portions of the campaign, the King Power faithful haven’t been afraid to voice their frustrations at their new gaffer.
Having taken over in the summer, Leicester is Martin’s first job back in management since his disastrous spell at Rangers last season. After winning just one league game in seven, things threatened to get ugly at Ibrox - and they did at Falkirk away, when his need for a security escort out of the stadium was the final straw in him getting sacked. Now Foxes fans are beginning to turn on him in a similar manner.
Allardyce draws Rangers comparison with Martin’s Leicester
One of the main criticisms of the 40-year old during his time at Ibrox was his unwillingness to adapt from a system which wasn’t getting results. Former Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham boss Allardyce reckons something has to change in his ‘beliefs’ or he’ll risk losing his job at Leicester, the same way he did at Rangers and previously Southampton.
He told Boylesports and the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast: “I wouldn’t give any advice to Russell Martin at Leicester, because I know he wouldn’t take it. It cost him his job at Southampton, it cost him his job at Rangers, and it’s going to cost him at job at Leicester. His beliefs are far away and beyond the capabilities of the players he’s using. The players probably don’t like it either.”
How has Martin responded to fan criticism at Leicester?
The Scotsman responded to boo’s after a recent defeat at home to Peterborough by saying he sympathises with the fans - but doesn’t think him getting the sack will change anything. The club have went through nine different managers since ex Celtic gaffer Brendan Rodgers left the club in April 2023.
Martin said: “I can’t criticise them (the fans) because it’s another defeat. I’m as frustrated as they are. But if they think changing a manager will lead to a quick fix then I’m not sure that’s ever the way.”
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