Leeds United’s owners the 49ers Enterprises have already found themselves under big scrutiny at Rangers, taking the decision to sack Russell Martin.
The 49ers made a big statement in the summer as rumours circulated that Daniel Farke’s reward for promotion would be facing the sack.
United stuck by the German and their start to life back in the Premier League suggests it was the right decision. Meanwhile in Glasgow, the 49ers’ newer venture at Rangers is not going to plan, chiefly with their managerial decision.
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Leeds United owners 49ers choose to sack Russell Martin after woeful Rangers start
Farke is enjoying his return to the top flight, having had much more backing than he did at Norwich City in both summers after promotion.
The Leeds boss was forced to win the league at the second time of asking at Elland Road thanks to a former player of his, Russell Martin, who got Southampton promoted and then fast-tracked their embarrassing relegation.
The 49ers opted to give him a shot at redemption as their first appointment since taking over at Rangers, but his start genuinely could not have been worse at Ibrox.
Russell Martin had a woeful time as Rangers manager. (REUTERS/Borut Zivulovic)
Bridging the gap to Celtic is a tough ask, but the ‘Gers staggeringly sit eighth in the Scottish Premiership after seven games, with one win, five draws and one loss.
Champions League qualifying went down in flames, and as they dropped into the Europa League, Rangers are without a point from two games. A draw against Falkirk on Sunday was the final straw for Martin, as the 49ers sacked him.
Daniel Farke issued strong Leeds United backing from 49ers as Rangers search for Russell Martin replacement
The 49ers are under pressure to build short and long-term success at both clubs, but progress is evident at Elland Road. Farke’s work to regain Premier League stability in West Yorkshire has not gone unnoticed amongst the hierarchy.
While the dugout looks a poisoned chalice north of the border, LeedsLive report that the 49ers are “impressed” with Leeds’ performances under Farke this season and are adopting a rational approach to his results in the top flight.
The 49ers look delighted with Daniel Farke’s start in the Premier League at Leeds United. (Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough)
United could, and perhaps should, have three more points on the board after stoppage time sickeners against Fulham and Bournemouth. However, United’s eight-point haul represents a solid start and keeps Farke above his projection of requiring a point-per-game to stay up.
Of course, the upcoming fixture list poses significant questions for Farke and Leeds to answer, facing relegation rivals Burnley and West Ham after the break.
Daniel Farke deserves immense credit, but the real test comes after this international break
Getting eight points from the start that we’ve had is definitely positive, and the fact we deserve more is also encouraging.
Farke deserves his flowers for achieving that stability, but he’s now got a real test on his hands.
It’s one thing showing these spirited performances, but to then kick on and beat Burnley and West Ham would be a huge statement.
All of a sudden, if Leeds get back-to-back wins in October, it makes survival look likely, as opposed to a possibility.
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