Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Rangers Football Club has confirmed the sacking of manager Russell Martin, bringing an end to his tenure after just 17 games in charge. The decision comes after the team's 1-1 draw away at Falkirk on Sunday, which sparked widespread discontent among travelling fans.
Martin's departure follows a dismal start to the season, with Rangers languishing eighth in the league, 11 points behind leaders Hearts and nine points behind arch-rivals Celtic. The team's form has been characterized by a series of frustrating draws and losses, including a humiliating 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League play-offs.
The situation turned ugly after the match at Falkirk, with police forced to escort Martin from the stadium as supporters tried to prevent the team bus from leaving. This incident capped off a tumultuous few months for Martin, who was appointed in June on a three-year deal despite initial reservations from fans.
In a statement, Rangers expressed gratitude to Martin for his efforts, saying, "Russell and his staff have worked exceptionally hard throughout their time at the club. We thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future." The club will now begin the search for a new manager, with several potential candidates being considered.
Some potential candidates to succeed Martin include:
Steven Gerrard A former Rangers player and experienced manager
Sean Dyche A highly respected manager with a track record of building successful teams
Frank Lampard, A seasoned manager with experience in top-flight football.
Rangers will face Dundee United at home on October 18, followed by a Europa League match against Brann on October 23. The team will need to regroup quickly and find a new sense of direction under their next manager ¹ ².