One of Rangers’ more downplayed transfers of the summer was that of Russell Martin. The central defender has been capped many times for Scotland, albeit himself being English, and his performances for Norwich over the years in the upper echelons of the English Premier League have certainly been those of a leader, a commander, a player who the Canaries sent out onto the pitch almost 300 times.
That says it all about the regard in which the 32-year old is held in the game, and even last season the ex-Wycombe man still had a heavy role to play as captain at Carrow Road.
On top of Graham Dorrans and youngster Glenn Middleton, Rangers have not been shy in bringing players from Daniel Farke’s lot, and as we know, Rangers did take interest briefly in Steven Naismith too but elected against it.
As for Martin? Few could say he has blown them away, but short of a spectacular talent like Jean Alain Boumsong or Carlos Cuellar, it is hard for a defender to stand out.
But Martin has been quietly effective – since he joined, Rangers have only conceded two goals and won three of four matches of those in which he played – the exception being a rampant Hibs with the predictable nuisance of Scott Allan.
Rangers do seem a little more trustworthy with him in defence, and while it is not quite perfect, it feels more robust with him partnering Bates than it did with Alves.
We are talking about a player well aware of the SPL, well aware of the size of Rangers, and who has eased into his role at Ibrox pretty inconspicuously.
The one thing that has been functioning quite well of late is defence. Sure, it does get breached, but that is football – not even Barca, or PSG can avoid conceding goals occasionally.
There is an option to buy this summer, and we can see Rangers taking that option up – it is puzzling why Norwich’s ‘new’ manager Daniel Farke just does not fancy the internationalist, but he does not, and Norwich’s willing loss seems to be Rangers’ gain at the moment.
Long may it continue.
So far Russell Martins performances have been good, showing a composed side of his game. As with a few fans I was a bit dismayed that he isn’t the tallest, but has blended in well with Bates, whoin my opinion is performing well. Russell Martin is Bates 6th defensive partner if I a, correct.
Maybe Martin will turn out to be another Davie Weir for us, long term centre half, possibly nurturing Bates, McCrorie and Aidan Wilson.
We don't need him at Norwich now. He has been excellent over the years and will always be well respected here but he has lost pace and is prone to errors now. Not good enough for the Championship anymore.
Quite simple. We have far better. He was a great captain, but simply no longer up to playing CB for a Championship club in England. The lower standard in Scotland will certainly help him prolong his spell in football, so im sure all from Norwich will wish him well. Just no longer good enough for us.
Trevor Goldbold and Paul Smith what the fuck have you been smoking 🚬?
Not good enough? For Norwich You have BETTER?
13th in an average at best league
Conceded 33 yes THIRTY THREE Goals whilst only scoring 30.
Jog on ya deluded pricks
Isn't it sad to have fans of Norwich City on here describing top level Scottish football as a lower level than mid table English Championship. Not saying they are wrong, just saying it's sad.
Summer transfer? Winter break. Too old. He will do a job till summer.
Unfortunately English championship clubs especially those recently relegated have a far bigger budget than the far bigger club in Scotland i.e. RANGERS. Television money down here is around 50 x more than the spl so until that changes we will have to put up with stupid comments like that
Wasnt convinced when he signed but Done quite well so far so crack on russell!
😃👌
…next Davie Weir? 🤔
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