Russell Martin faces backlash amid Leicester’s tough start in League One
Russell Martin has spoken out against what he describes as deeply personal attacks from supporters and sections of the media as his Leicester City side endure a wretched start to life in League One, reports BritPanorama.
The 40-year-old’s position has come under fierce scrutiny following last Saturday’s humiliating 4-0 loss at Oxford United, a result that left the 2016 Premier League champions languishing in 18th place — the lowest league position in the 142-year-old club’s history.
Former Leicester winger Matt Piper labelled the Oxford performance a “sackable” offense. With just a single victory from their opening five fixtures, the Foxes’ return to English football’s third tier following consecutive relegations has been nothing short of dismal.
Speaking to BBC East Midlands Today ahead of Saturday’s fixture at Stockport County, Martin addressed the hostility head-on. “It has become really personal from some guys in the media and definitely from fans,” he said.
Martin acknowledged the impact of the backlash on those around him. “It doesn’t affect me too much, genuinely, but it is really difficult for the people around me, who know me and understand me and know what I am,” he added. His players have also noted the intensity of the criticism. “I don’t know why I upset so many people,” Martin explained, reflecting on a player’s question regarding the outside criticism.
The vitriol directed at Martin has a pattern. His high-possession, pass-heavy philosophy drew sustained hostility during a 123-day stint as Rangers manager in the Scottish Premiership last season. Even after a late victory against Livingston last October, the former Scotland international was subjected to abusive chants from his own supporters.
During that period, Martin shared his disappointment about the negative atmosphere. “The only thing I find sad is when I see kids standing next to their dads and sticking their fingers up at me or swearing at me,” he remarked, focusing on the generational aspect of this hostility.
Despite being overwhelming favorites to excel in League One, Leicester’s record of two draws and two defeats, alongside their solitary win, has left Martin’s tenure hanging by a thread. The criticism mirrors the challenges he faced at Ibrox, where his commitment to building from the back polarised opinion before his swift departure. Martin did note that many fans had urged him in person to disregard the abuse, believing it to have gone “quite some way over the normal criticism.” Whether Saturday’s trip to Stockport can ease the pressure remains to be seen.
As Leicester grapples with early-season disappointment, Martin’s struggle for acceptance raises questions about the balance between expectation and support in football—how allegiance can quickly transform into derision in the face of adversity.
