“‘We Were Embarrassed’ – Russell Martin Breaks Silence on Celtic Humiliation at Rangers Reveal”

Russell Martin’s unveiling as Rangers manager came with all the pageantry one would expect at Ibrox but it also came with a heavy reminder of the past.

The appointment, officially confirmed this morning, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Martin, one that comes with enormous pressure, immediate expectations, and an old ghost that refuses to stay buried: Celtic.

As fate would have it, Martin’s announcement clashed perfectly with Celtic’s latest Adidas kit launch, an event that had the Hoops fanbase buzzing until the blue half of Glasgow stole the spotlight. In a matter of minutes, both sides of the Old Firm were locked into the kind of indirect clash that mirrors the battle Martin must now navigate from the dugout.

But while Celtic fans were focused on their club’s fresh look for the season ahead, Rangers fans were focused on something far more critical: revenge, progress, and the hope that Martin is the man to finally outsmart Brendan Rodgers.

And therein lies the immediate pressure. This is not Martin’s first dance with Rodgers in a Rangers context. In fact, some of the most painful defeats of his playing career came under Rodgers’ reign at Celtic during the 2017/18 season. That year, Celtic were unstoppable. They were the reigning “Invincibles” and would go on to defend their domestic treble. For Martin, who was then trying to stabilize a vulnerable Rangers defense, it was a campaign to forget though few fans have.

He was asked directly about those games namely the 4-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat at Hampden and the humiliating 5-0 thrashing at Celtic Park. In the world of football press conferences, some moments are routine. This was not one of them.

Facing the question head-on, Martin responded with composure. “Obviously, you’re aware of that,” he told Rangers TV. “But I’m not going to think about that. I’ll only think about the positives about if we get this place going, and a team that they enjoy watching, with attacking football and intensity.”

It was a polished answer, but it betrayed nothing of the true intensity of the rivalry or the weight of expectation now pressing against his shoulders. Make no mistake Rangers fans remember those games. So do Celtic fans. And the emotional memory of those results will be dragged up again the first time Martin’s Rangers face Celtic next season.

There’s also the very real challenge of Brendan Rodgers himself. The Northern Irishman returned to Celtic with unfinished business and wasted no time in delivering silverware once again. Backed by deeper financial muscle, greater squad depth, and a ruthless winning mentality, Celtic under Rodgers look every bit the dominant force they once were.

That is the Celtic reality Russell Martin must now face a reality steeped in history, trophies, and swagger. It’s a reality that no words at a press conference can soften.

And yet, Rangers fans are desperate for someone who gets it. Someone who understands the emotional weight of Ibrox, the fury of an Old Firm Derby, and the expectations that come not just from the boardroom, but from the thousands of supporters who live and breathe for one thing beating Celtic.

Martin seems to understand that. “I only face it positively,” he said. “How much people care about their club, and how intense the support is, how passionate they are.”

It’s the right tone. But tone alone won’t silence the doubters. Results will. Performances will. Progress will.

Rangers have been in search of stability and identity for years. Michael Beale’s project never quite ignited. Philippe Clement brought a spark, but not the consistent fire. Now, Martin has a chance to imprint something lasting a high-tempo, attacking style he’s spoken about for years in management.

But the job is bigger than tactics. It’s psychological. Celtic are not just Rangers’ rivals they’re a club that have inflicted some of the darkest days in recent Ibrox memory. And Martin has lived through that, not as a distant observer, but as a player on the pitch.

He knows the pain.

That knowledge could be his greatest strength or a burden that weighs him down if things start to slip.

The season ahead promises fireworks. And as Russell Martin begins his journey, one truth is already clear: the past can’t be ignored but if he’s to succeed, he must write a very different future.