Rangers face fan protests amid team bonding trip scrutiny

Rangers head coach Russell Martin organized a team bonding trip involving cold water swimming in Loch Lomond and a hike up Conic Hill amid the club's winless start to the Scottish Premiership. Former Rangers players Alan Hutton and Barry Ferguson criticized the timing and nature of the outing, arguing that the team should have been focusing on training rather than outdoor activities, especially given fan frustration and upcoming matches against Hibernian. In contrast, experienced manager Ian Holloway defended Martin's approach, calling it common sense and praising the effort to lift players' mental wellbeing by breaking routine and reducing stress. Holloway drew parallels to his own unconventional methods, such as ballet classes and beach training, emphasizing the importance of team morale and mental health in modern football. The coaching methods have sparked protests from supporters, with some groups targeting Martin and the American chairman Andrew Cavenagh, who is under pressure due to the club's poor performances. Overall, the debate highlights contrasting views on whether unconventional team bonding can effectively address the challenges Rangers currently face on the pitch.