Rangers dismissed Russell Martin after 17 matches, stating that results failed to meet expectations during the transition.
The 39-year-old’s last game ended in a 1-1 draw at Falkirk on Sunday. Police escorted him from the ground after angry fans blocked the team bus.
Supporters at Ibrox increasingly criticised Martin as Rangers struggled early in the season.
Rangers did not secure their first league win until late September and suffered a 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge in August’s Champions League play-offs.
As the domestic season pauses for its second international break, Rangers sit eighth in the Premiership, 11 points behind leaders Hearts.
Martin signed a three-year deal in June under new American owners but won only one of seven league games, drawing five, and recording five wins across all competitions.
Assistant Matt Gill and first-team coach Mike Williamson also leave the club.
Rangers thanked Martin and his staff for their work and promised further updates soon.
Fourth Manager Hunt of the Year Begins
Rangers now begin their fourth managerial search of 2025.
Martin, previously with MK Dons, Swansea City, and Southampton, edged out Davide Ancelotti for the role before the Italian joined Botafogo.
Upon his appointment, Martin vowed to convince fans through victories and promised total commitment to improving the club.
Chief executive Patrick Stewart emphasised the need for a strong football identity and immediate success.
Philippe Clement started the year with a 3-0 victory over Celtic but later suffered domestic setbacks, including a Scottish Cup loss to Queen’s Park, which ended his tenure.
Stewart then appointed former captain Barry Ferguson to lead the team for the remainder of the 2024–25 season.
Squad Overhaul and Uncertain Future
Martin earned the head coach job after guiding Southampton to Premier League promotion in 2024, yet he won only once in England’s top flight.
Many Rangers supporters doubted his credentials from the start.
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell joined during the summer and supervised a major squad overhaul.
Rangers mainly recruited from England, adding four loan players and paying £8m for Everton striker Youssef Chermiti. Thelwell confirmed a £20m net spend.
The club sold Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, who combined for 45 goals last season. Igamane attracted attention when Martin claimed he refused to play as a substitute against St Mirren.
The next manager will inherit a side short on belief, struggling defensively, and lacking consistent scorers.
However, players such as Jack Butland, John Souttar, Derek Cornelius, Mohamed Diomande, Nicolas Raskin, Thelo Aasgaard, and Bojan Miovski still provide an international core capable of recovery.
