Rangers Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and Vice-Chairman Paraag Marathe, who took control over the summer as part of the San Francisco 49ers takeover at Ibrox today issued an official letter to the support after yesterday’s removal of head coach Russell Martin following a 1-1 draw away to Falkirk.
Released via social media and on the club website it read: “Dear Supporters,
“As you have seen by now, we are making a change at Rangers and have parted ways with Russell Martin, Matt Gill, and Mike Williamson with thanks for their hard work.
“When we took over the club this summer, we shared what we want to build for Rangers - to win trophies in Scotland and be able to compete at a high level in Europe. We know achieving these goals will take time, but our performances and results have not been good enough. We know you are frustrated - we are too. We did not get this right, and it’s our responsibility to fix it and get us back on track.
“A rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process is already underway, and we are treating it with the urgency it deserves. The two of us are deeply involved, and the evaluation will have our full attention until we are confident we have a leader with the character and skillset to deliver results.
“Moving forward, we are fully confident in our players, who possess the talent and determination to succeed. At the same time, a great deal of important work is progressing across the club, building out a stable leadership and football structure under Patrick and Kevin’s guidance, advancing detailed plans aligned with our long-term strategy, and beginning the early stages of investment planning for Ibrox. Your focus will rightly be what is happening on the pitch, but this work also matters, and it will help lay the foundation for success in the future.
“Change is never easy. But we are not deterred by hard work - in fact we see a great opportunity ahead. The season is not over, and we have plenty to play for in all four competitions. Together we are committed to delivering the performances and results that you can be proud of.
“Your loyalty to this club, through thick and thin, is something we do not take for granted. We see the effort and emotion you put into supporting Rangers, and it drives us every day. We intend to earn your trust, because we all share the same goal - restoring success to Rangers.
Andrew & Paraag.”
A well worded and competent statement, and exactly what supporters, who had quickly began to lose faith in the new regime needed to hear. The one complaint? It comes far too late.
It is however, promising to hear that the search for Martin’s replacement is already well underway, with sources suggesting the search began as far back as last month’s 2-0 home defeat to Derek McInnes’s Hearts at Ibrox.
The next appointment in the dugout is vital, for both the team on-field and the supporters faith in the new regime at the helm of Rangers Football Club.