Martin defends 'good, honest person' Stewart

Russell Martin has defended Rangers chief executive Patrick Stewart and the club's hierarchy as supporters plan a protest before Saturday's Premier Sports Cup tie with Hibes.

Fans' group The Union Bears intend to hold a demonstration against Martin and Stewart before the 17:45 BST kick-off.

Martin was recruited during the summer following the club's takeover by an American consortium and the squad underwent a significant turnover before an underwhelming start to the season, with only three wins out of 12 games so far.

"In Patrick, in the ownership, in [sporting director] Kevin [Thelwell] you've got people that really care about making this club sustainable and successful again and to do it in a way that the club continues to have some success," said head coach Martin.

"We know it's going to take some work to get back to that.

"[Patrick Stewart] genuinely really cares about the people here. He genuinely really cares about trying to give the club something to build from. And, also, he didn't inherit a place that was really flying. It takes time.

"My impression of Patrick, the owners, Kevin, the people in leadership, are good people, honest people that are not here to be attached to the fame and the level of importance or status you have this with job.

"They're here to actually come, make a big difference and to try and help this club not have the problems it's had in the past."