Rangers: ‘Russell Martin struggles for answers as questions mount’

“I don’t think this job is for the timid, so I knew that when I took it,” said former Southampton boss Martin. “We could have chosen a job that was probably a bit easier in terms of the demands and the noise that comes with it.

“But it’s just not my job to speculate or worry about what people outside here think. My job is to worry about what the people in here think, to work with them every day and to be really clear on what we want.

“It’s got me in this position in the first place. I now can’t be influenced or swayed by outside noise.

“And, also, when you grow up and have to experience many, many tough things, you realise a bit of perspective and gratitude. That means, actually, this is football. It means so much to everyone, but there’s a lot of tougher things to endure.”

Hinting at his tough upbringing, at the challenges he faced as a young man, offers perspective to Martin’s current woes.

But that’s his perspective. It’s not the perspective of the fans. Asking Rangers [or Celtic] fans for perspective amid an awful run is like asking for a miracle.

Very little of what Martin said will have appeased a single Rangers fan. In truth, the situation is so far gone now that only his words of resignation would be accepted.

Could he name a few things that have actually improved on his watch? “Well, I have to just go with what the staff have said. They feel certain things have improved…”

What specific things was he talking about?

“Well, you’d have to ask people in the building.”

The mantra remains the same – new players have come in and they need time to adapt and time to get his message. They need to learn how to deal with adversity and get the crowd to feed off their energy. They can’t let the fury distract them.

“We’ve qualified for the Europa League [by getting knocked out of the Champions League] and we have a chance to put things right on Sunday. All focus is on that after Wednesday and now it’s about responding properly.

“The process remains the same. I think the noise is the loudest I’ve ever had to deal with as a coach or a player. But you have to accept that.

“I knew it was going to be the case. It doesn’t affect the work. We have to be really driven and focused on Sunday now and it’s really as simple as that.”

The Rangers fans would agree that it’s very simple now, but for altogether different reasons. Safe to say that they’re hoping for the best against Celtic, but prepared for the worst.

In the event of a Celtic win, it won’t just be the player and the manager being sent a message. It’ll be the owners, too.

If Cavenagh thought he could play around in the world of football ownership, he will know at that point that he’s playing with fire.