A New Era at Rangers: Souness Observes the Transformation
Graeme Souness, a former manager of Rangers, has expressed admiration for the impact made by American investors in the club. The new boss, Martin, took a calculated risk by insisting on higher standards from the players, and it has already started to pay off.
Rangers have undergone a significant transformation in the past three months, with new ownership coming into play. The American investors quickly identified Russell Martin as the right person to bring about change on the pitch. While the nine recruits brought in by Martin may not be as high-profile as the international stars that Souness once assembled, the sense of change within the club feels similar to what was experienced during the summer of 1986.
Souness, who was involved in a previous revolution at Ibrox, is now watching another one unfold. When he joined the club as player-manager from Sampdoria, Rangers had been away from the top of the league for a long time. Similarly, Martin has arrived at a time when losing has become the norm for the club.
Although Souness is cautious about predicting whether Martin can replicate his success by winning the Premiership on the first attempt, he senses that something special is happening again at the old stomping ground.
Professional Approach and Clear Path Forward
Souness praised the new owners for their professional approach. He noted that the messages coming from the consortium, which includes 49ers Enterprises, sound very promising. He believes that they are not just trying to get things right but are confident that they will do so.
He acknowledged that the new owners might have made some mistakes in other ventures, such as with Leeds United in England. However, he expects them to hit the ground running. From what he hears from within the club and from public statements, he feels encouraged by the progress being made.
Souness also emphasized that the club has settled down, with clear roles and responsibilities established. He believes that everyone now knows their job and can focus on doing it effectively.
High Expectations and Standards
While Souness’s heart tells him that Martin’s team could succeed, his head reminds him that it is still a tall order. He compared the situation to asking politicians when they will get things right, highlighting the pressure that comes with football expectations.
As a lifelong supporter of Rangers, he hopes for success sooner rather than later. However, he warns that attaching logic to football can lead to frustration.
Souness fully agrees with former director Paul Murray’s view that this is the biggest moment for the club since he arrived. He believes that the new owners understand the unique nature of Glasgow Rangers and the special experience it offers.
A Strong Leadership Style
Martin’s decision to publicly criticize his players after a weak performance at Motherwell showed his commitment to setting high standards. His team sheet for the match against Viktoria Plzen further highlighted his approach, with several key players left out.
Souness supported this style, noting that it sends a clear message that Martin has his own standards and expects players to meet them. He believes that good senior professionals are essential for a successful football club.
A Taste of European Glory
The recent victory against Viktoria Plzen, which secured a place in the play-off round, was a positive sign for the club. If they avoid a disaster in the second leg, they could face Club Brugge or Salzburg for a spot in the Champions League.
Despite the painful memory of the last trip to the Champions League under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Souness does not believe that Rangers would be better off in the Europa League. He argues that playing against the best teams is what every professional player desires.
The Rivalry and Passion
Souness highlighted the intense rivalry between Rangers and Celtic, calling it the biggest in football. He also mentioned other notable rivalries, but he believes that the Glasgow derby surpasses them all.
He emphasized the passion of supporters in Scotland, noting that it is unmatched anywhere else. This passion, he says, can keep even the most seasoned football figures awake at night.
Promoting Scottish Football
Graeme Souness was promoting Premier Sports’ coverage of Scottish football, which includes over 80 matches from the Scottish Premiership, Premier Sports Cup, Scottish Cup, and KDM Evolution Trophy. Fans can enjoy an entire season of football for only £99 using promo code PSCUP25.