Former Rangers captain and coach Barry Ferguson has sparked major controversy among supporters following a scathing assessment of current manager Russell Martin. In an explosive outburst, Ferguson questioned Martin’s leadership, branding his decisions as “naïve,” “overthought,” and “not suited to the demands of a club like Rangers.”
“Russell Martin was brought in with a clear vision,” Ferguson said in a recent interview. “But at Rangers, you don’t get time to ‘figure it out.’ You need instant results and a backbone. I don’t see that in him right now.”
The comments, which many interpreted as personal and excessively harsh, have triggered a wave of backlash from the Rangers fanbase. Supporters quickly took to social media to voice their disapproval, accusing Ferguson of undermining the current regime and stoking division at a critical time for the club.
One fan wrote, “Ferguson may be a legend, but this crosses a line. We’re trying to build something here, and this kind of negativity helps no one.” Another supporter was even more direct: “He should be banned from club events. This isn’t constructive criticism – it’s sabotage.”
While Ferguson insisted he was “speaking for the fans,” many feel he has misread the mood of the Ibrox faithful. Some pointed out that while Martin’s start has been far from flawless, there is a recognition among many fans that the new manager needs time to implement his philosophy and stabilize the squad.
The situation is especially sensitive given Ferguson’s history with the club. As a former captain and youth coach, his words carry weight. But critics argue that legacy does not entitle him to attack the current leadership in such public and provocative terms.
Club insiders have so far remained tight-lipped about the controversy, but sources suggest that the remarks did not go unnoticed within the Rangers hierarchy. Whether this public rift will escalate further remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ferguson’s standing with the fans has taken a significant hit.
In a club where loyalty runs deep and internal unity is prized, Ferguson’s comments have opened an uncomfortable chapter—one that may not close easily.
