Rangers Football Club have announced the dismissal of head coach Russell Martin, following a disappointing start to the 2025–26 campaign. The decision brings an abrupt end to his tenure after just a few months in charge.
Poor results trigger change
Martin, who was appointed in June on a three-year contract, oversaw a run of underwhelming performances. Rangers currently lie in eighth place in the Scottish Premiership, 11 points adrift of the leaders after just seven league fixtures.
His European record added to concerns: Rangers failed to advance through the Champions League playoff stage, falling to Club Brugge, and began their Europa League campaign with losses to Genk and Sturm Graz. Domestically, the final straw reportedly came after a 1-1 draw away to Falkirk.
Coaching staff also depart
Alongside Martin, assistant coach Matt Gill and first-team coach Mike Williamson are expected to leave the club. The club stated in a brief release that “results have not met the club’s expectations,” marking the end of this chapter at Ibrox.
Legacy and aftermath
Martin’s 123-day tenure makes him the shortest serving permanent manager in Rangers’ history. Previously, he had achieved promotion with Southampton and was seen as a coach who would bring a more dynamic playing style to Rangers. Yet expectations and results diverged sharply.
Fan discontent had been rising, including incidents of protesters surrounding the team bus and pressure mounting from supporters’ groups. Commentators and former players have been vocal: Ally McCoist, a club legend, accused both the board and Martin of underestimating the scale of the task and called out recruitment issues and lackluster performances.
What comes next
Rangers have yet to announce a permanent replacement. Several names are already in the frame, including Steven Gerrard, who remains enormously popular among supporters following his previous successful stint at Ibrox. Others such as Danny Röhl and Sean Dyche have also been mooted.
The board now faces a crucial task: restoring stability, selecting a manager who can revive confidence, and salvaging a season that has already gone off course. For a club with lofty ambitions and intense pressure from its fanbase, the next appointment will be closely scrutinised—and must deliver.
