'It's hard when fans turn' - Martin needs 'big run'

Kevin Thomson admits he feels "really sorry" for Rangers head coach Russell Martin and the "humanity" of a situation the former Ibrox midfielder believes will be "difficult to turn around".

Just moments after Max Aarons scored in stoppage time at Livingston to secure a first league win for Martin, the large travelling support sent the former Southampton boss a loud reminder that they still feel his short time in charge should end.

It is the sort of pressure Thomson, who played in Rangers' 2008 Uefa Cup runners-up side under Walter Smith, knows all too well.

"When you become a manager, you know that comes with the territory," Thomson told BBC Sport Scotland.

"I've felt really sorry for Russell. I think the humanity comes out if you've got that in you. It's never nice to see.

"They've obviously made a poor start, I don't think you can get away from that and it's hard when the fans start to turn.

"We saw the protests last week. Then they score late on and get the result but still we have the boos and the songs ringing round.

"I feel for him but he represents a big club that comes with huge expectation and if you don't deliver on that or get close to meeting the expectations then you come under pressure."

Martin has won five, drawn five and lost five with Rangers, with away trips to Sturm Graz in the Europa League and Falkirk in the Premiership coming up.

"I do think they're going to have to go on a big run to try to change the narrative," said Thomson, who won five trophies during his time at Ibrox.

"When that narrative comes, and fans have had enough, it's really difficult to turn.

"He [Martin] says it constantly: the only way they can turn it is winning games. They've got that win now, can they build on it? Thursday night is obviously going to be a difficult one. Falkirk are probably one where if you were picking another team, you would hopefully fancy your chances. At the same time, I don't think any game is easy for Rangers at the moment."

The icy reception to three points in Livingston suggests that simply winning may not be enough though.

"You can play really poorly (and win) and the narrative can still be one of frustration," added Thomson.

"The fans expect more. They want to see high-energy football, the stuff that the manager promised when he came in.

"When that is not met, and it falls short, especially added to poor results, you naturally come under pressure.

"I hope Russell does a good job, I hope he turns the corner and that there can be some sort of run and that the fans can get behind him.

"It's certainly volatile stuff to watch, the reaction of the fans. I think it will be a difficult one for him to turn around."