Over the last few days, the message to the media has been clear. Russell Martin continues to have the backing of the Rangers board despite losing to Hearts at the weekend, which allowed Celtic to go nine points clear at the top of the league table in mid-September. But now, a report contrary to those earlier ones has emerged. And it paints a bleaker picture for the manager.
It was only earlier this summer that Martin was appointed as the new manager of the Rangers. It was viewed as the start of a new era and the club spent significant money in the transfer market in hopes of improving the squad to compete with Celtic.
Of course, Celtic did the complete opposite, and ended up with a weakened squad. Despite that, they somehow find themselves nine points despite being nowhere near their best over the first five league games of the campaign.
And it looks like things might be starting to turn at Ibrox. It looks like out of nowhere, a U-turn has been made when it comes to Martin and his future.
Rangers make Russell Martin U-turn after Celtic take 9-point lead
While speaking on Daily Record's Hotline Live, Keith Jackson said that phone calls are being made and the Rangers regime are sounding out potential alternatives, should they decide that they can no longer back Martin. It looks like they are looking to put something in place for the worst-case scenario.
Most of the time, when such news comes out at this point of the season, the manager's exit is pretty inevitable. Let's see how the Rangers do in their next game.
If they lose again, it could be the end of the road for Martin at Ibrox. But Celtic must focusing on the task at hand instead of the going ons at Ibrox.