Rangers fire Russell Martin after 17 games amid fan unrest

When Rangers Football Club announced on 5 October 2025 that it had part‑ed company with head coach Russell Martin, the reaction was swift and bitter.

The 39‑year‑old, hired in June after a "rigorous" selection process, lasted just four months – 17 matches – becoming the shortest‑serving permanent boss in the club's 153‑year history. The decision followed a 1‑1 draw at Falkirk Stadium that left Rangers perched in eighth place, 11 points behind league leaders Hearts.

Alongside Martin, assistant head coach Matt Gill and first‑team coach Mike Williamson also exited, prompting a complete overhaul of the coaching set‑up.

Background: The ambitious appointment

Rangers' takeover by an American consortium, led by 49ers Enterprises, came with a promise of a modern footballing model. CEO Patrick Stewart told reporters that the club had identified a "standout candidate" who could act as a "culture architect".

Under the new hierarchy, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and technical director Dan Purdy were tasked with off‑field responsibilities – medical, sports science, recruitment – while the head coach focused purely on tactics and match‑day decisions.

Stewart later remarked, "The head coach position is the most important hire we have made. It's a role that can either turn a group of individuals into a winning team, or not."

Season so far: A string of setbacks

Rangers' league form under Martin has been erratic. In the Scottish Premiership, the side has managed only one win in seven matches, accumulating just five points and slipping to eighth. The gap to the summit – eleven points – feels wider every week.

European outings have fared no better. After a heartbreak in the Champions League qualifiers, the team entered the Europa League with a winless start, sparking doubts about the squad's depth.

Domestically, progress in the League Cup offered a glimmer of hope, but it was quickly eclipsed by the Falkirk draw on 4 October 2025. Striker Bojan Miovski opened the scoring, only for Falkirk's Henry Cartwright to equalise late on.

Fans, already restless from a late win at Livingston the previous weekend, turned vocal. Chants of "Martin out" echoed through the stadium, and after the final whistle, supporters surrounded the team bus, prompting mounted police and security officers to escort the coaching staff from the car park.

The club's official statement read: "While all transition periods require some time, results have not met the club's expectations. 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."

Reactions from inside and outside the club

Assistant Matt Gill issued a brief farewell on the club's website, saying, "It's been an honour to work with the players and staff. I wish Russell and the squad every success moving forward."

Fan groups were less forgiving. A spokesperson for the Rangers Supporters' Trust told reporters, "We came to the stadium to see a performance, not a protest. The lack of tactical cohesion and the defensive frailties simply aren't good enough for a club of this stature."

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) released a neutral comment, noting that "clubs are free to make staffing decisions in line with their strategic objectives," while urging all parties to maintain respect for supporters.

What this means for the new ownership

The sacking puts fresh pressure on the American consortium and its key figures. Stewart now faces the delicate task of finding a successor who can deliver immediate results while fitting the long‑term vision set out by Thelwell and Purdy.

Industry observers point out that Rangers have already cycled through five permanent managers in the past three seasons. "Stability is the missing ingredient," says football analyst James McArthur. "If the new owners keep tinkering, they'll never build the squad identity needed to compete on multiple fronts."

In the coming weeks, Thelwell is expected to lead a short‑list process involving both domestic and foreign candidates, with an emphasis on those experienced in European competition.

Looking ahead: Potential successors

Names already circulating include:

• Steve Clarke – former Scotland manager with a reputation for defensive solidity.
• Mark McGhee – previously managed Aberdeen and known for attacking flair.
• Andrea Pirlo – the Italian maestro turned coach, praised for his tactical acumen in Serie A.

Regardless of who is appointed, the clock is ticking. The next league match against Celtic on 13 October 2025 could be a litmus test for any interim arrangements, and a poor result could further erode the board's credibility.

Key facts

• Dismissal date: 5 October 2025
• Games in charge: 17 (4 months)
• League record under Martin: 1‑5‑1 (W‑D‑L)
• Current league position: 8th (11 points behind Hearts)
• Coaching staff also departing: Matt Gill (assistant), Mike Williamson (first‑team coach)