Scathing Rangers claim I heard about Russell Martin is another language but I don't buy the speculation

Russell Martin will need the finely-tuned attributes of Harry Houdini when he starts work on Monday.

The escapologist’s speciality was being suspended upside down in a tank of water while handcuffed and wearing a straitjacket.

He had three minutes to hold his breath and extricate himself from his constrictions. Or else.

It’s not a life-or-death scenario for the new head coach at Ibrox, despite what the more excitable might claim.

But endangerments are building up.

There’s Panathinaikos in the Champions League qualifier next month – defeat over two legs looks unthinkable.

There’s a row over the circumstances that saw John Souttar put country before club, and delayed an operation, to be available for Scotland’s recent two friendlies.

Meanwhile, the club’s activity in the transfer market has had the same grip on fans’ imagination as FIFA’s Club World Cup.

Limited enthusiasm has been shown by a support who were expecting big bucks to be thrown at new players by Rangers’ new owners, 49ers Enterprises.

A civil ceremony to formalise the arranged marriage between the club and their backers will take place at an EGM at Ibrox on Monday.

Shareholders will meet to approve £20m of fresh investment. Symbolically, it is a day when governance of the club is taken out of the hands of those who, historically, were brought up to support Rangers.

Money knows no allegiance, however, and years of minimal success necessitates an influx of cash from anywhere, and San Francisco is as good a place as any.

Martin comes into this potentially febrile environment with his eyes wide open and with a need to close his ears to the outside noise.

I came back from the Highlands last Monday having watched two of my grandsons perform at Lochaber Provincial