Ex-Rangers ace outlines 'biggest game of the season' task

The National

16 hours ago

The former Ibrox goalkeeper reckons a power of work must be done before Rangers enter the second qualifying round.
Rangers will discover their opponents on Wednesday morning with Panathinaikos, Servette and SK Brann as their possible Euro rivals.
Aside from the huge financial implications of progress in the Champions League, victory in the opening fixture is crucial for Martin, accoring to Bell.
Speaking at a press event for the Refugee World Cup in Scotland 2025, the former Scotland goalkeeper admitted it's not ideal timing for his former club with major changes on and off the park.
"Stability is the main thing, first and foremost," said Bell first referencing the takeover.
"I think the takeover happening was really important to get that over the line. The guys who have come in behind the scenes already are making headway going forward.
"There is a huge amount of work to be done at Ibrox, with regards to structuring the club and the way they want it to run, which is going to take time.
"It's going to take time to get that structure in place, bodies in place and the right people as well.
"And then you look at the footballing side, they have obviously brought in a new coach.
"Russell Martin has got a massive task ahead of himself. I would imagine he has got a huge number of players coming in and going out of the club.
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"It'll be a big month ahead of himself before that European game comes, which is always the biggest game of the season for Rangers."
On the vast changes expected in personnel before the Champions League qualifying run begins, he added: "There is a huge amount [of transformation] in a short space of time. The game, we're talking weeks away and I feel as that's always Rangers' biggest game because you've got to start well, you want to progress in Europe so there is a lot of work to be done behind the scenes.
"The team they have put together behind the scenes, I think, will have been working relentlessly to try and get it right.
"There will be players leaving and coming in, and then it's all about Russell Martin gelling that squad together because it is not long.
"They will be training really hard. I think there will be a lot of work on the training ground on the way Russell Martin wants his team to play next season.
"It is a new style, new philosophy that he is coming in with to try and be successful at Rangers so it is going to take a bit of time to implement that to the players as well.
"It's not ideal that their first match is going to be their biggest match but Rangers always kind of face that.
"They know the pressures that come with it."
Martin admitted in his press conference that he was aware he was not the first choice of new manager for some supporters.
Bell was impressed with the handling of the situation by the former Southampton boss, as he insisted winning is the surefire way to get all fans onside.
"There has been a lot of speculation and a lot of talk about Russell Martin's appointment, and people have been unsure, and he identified that himself.
"He was open and honest in his press conference.
"That first game is vitally important for him, and he will know that himself.
"There is always split when a manager is appointed at a club.
"Football is about opinions but for me, the way Russell Martin handled it was first class and I expected that from him.
"It was good that he did identify that he maybe wasn't some Rangers fans' first choice, but he is more than happy to win them over."