Backing must be rewarded urgently

KEVIN THOMSON insists Russell Martin must reward the backing of the Rangers board with results - and quickly.

- BY FRASER MACKIE

Thomson says the embattled manager, above, has been fortunate with funding compared to predecessors such as Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Philippe Clement.

Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises helped Martin recruit a dozen new faces since appointing him in June. But, as Gers prepare for tomorrow's Europa League tie at Sturm Graz, the return so far has been rotten.

Thomson reckons some of the Ibrox fan fury stems from seeing other clubs hit the ground running after significant summer transfer turnover.

The two-time title winner and former Gers academy coach says Martin got the weapons he wanted.

Now he needs to get them firing in his system - or his boardroom backers will think again.

Thomson said: “Russell has been well-backed - I don’t think he could sit there and say he hasn't been.