Rangers legend Kris Boyd has admitted he would have struggled to adapt to life under current Ibrox boss Russell Martin, despite his prolific goalscoring record for the club.
Boyd, who netted 138 goals across two spells with the Light Blues, revealed that Martin’s possession-heavy and high-pressing style of football would not have suited his natural game. The former striker built his reputation on sharp movement inside the box and lethal finishing, rather than the intense work rate demanded of forwards in the modern era.
“Russell Martin wants his front players to press from the front, link play, and run in behind constantly,” Boyd said. “That’s not me. I lived in the penalty area and relied on service. I scored goals, yes, but I’d probably have found myself on the bench under him.”
The former Scotland international’s comments come amid growing debate around Martin’s methods at Rangers. While some fans admire his attempt to modernise the team’s approach, others question whether his tactical demands suit the current squad.
Boyd, now a Sky Sports pundit, stressed that his criticism was not personal, but an honest reflection on how football has evolved. “Managers today want more from strikers than just goals,” he added. “I’m not sure I’d fit in – but that’s the reality of how the game has changed.”
Boyd remains a hugely respected figure at Ibrox, remembered as one of the most clinical finishers of his generation. His remarks highlight the wider shift in expectations placed on strikers in the modern game – a shift that may define Martin’s success or failure in the Rangers hot seat.
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