RANGERS hero Derek Ferguson reckons club chiefs have a ‘duty of care’ to Russell Martin amid fan anger towards the manager.
Pressure from the stands has been growing and growing towards Martin amid a horror start to his reign as manager.
Rangers have won just four of their 14 competitive matches since the 39-year old took charge in the summer.
That run included five winless games to start the Premiership season, the Gers’ worst start to a league season in 47 years.
Fan fury towards Martin has only intensified as the weeks have gone on, with X-rated chants aimed at the former Southampton boss in each of the last three matches at Ibrox.
Raging supporters have also unfurled banners demanding Martin’s exit and held a large-scale protest against the under-fire manager outside the main entrance of Ibrox before the 2-0 win over Hibs last weekend.
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Former Gers midfielder Ferguson – older brother of Ibrox icon Barry – has been left wondering just how much more of the anger Martin can take.
Agreeing with fellow pundit Stephen Craigan that there’s a “human” element to what’s going on, Ferguson reckons the amount of fury being directed towards Martin must be difficult for him to take.
Ferguson told BBC Sportsound: “I think there’s a duty of care from the 49ers who have come in, they’ve given Russell Martin the job.
“But you look at what’s happening to him – how does any human being cope with that?
“When I used to go and watch our Barry, at times, you go into most football grounds, layers will get a bit of stick.
“But the amount of stick that Russell Martin is getting, I’ve never come across anything in all the years.
“The only one was Ally McCoist when he was going through a real torrid time and it was horrendous for us as players to watch one of your pals receive that abuse and you just wonder how long you can cope with that?
“The 49ers have a duty of care to just be careful with Russell Martin.
“He is just a man, like anyone else. The amount of stick. It must be so hard to take that.”
Martin is looking to win a league match as Gers boss for the first time at the SIXTH attempt.
His Light Blues side are taking on Livingston this afternoon.
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