Steven Gerrard Linked With Shock Return to Rangers
Rangers FC have officially parted ways with head coach Russell Martin, just four months after his appointment. The decision comes in the wake of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership.
The 39-year-old, who signed a three-year deal in June, leaves after just 123 days in charge — making him the shortest-serving permanent manager in the club’s 153-year history. His tenure included only 17 competitive matches. Alongside Martin, assistant Matt Gill and first-team coach Mike Williamson have also left the club.
The sacking follows a disastrous start to the season. Rangers have recorded just one win in seven league games, drawing five, and currently sit eighth in the table — 11 points behind leaders Hearts and nine adrift of fierce rivals Celtic.
Things went from bad to worse in Europe, with a humiliating 1–9 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers — including a crushing 6–0 away loss that left fans and boardroom executives stunned.
In a statement, the club acknowledged Martin’s work ethic and commitment, but admitted that "while transition takes time, results have fallen short of expectations."
The managerial search is already underway, with Rangers now looking for their fifth permanent head coach in just three years. Among the early frontrunners? A familiar face — Steven Gerrard, the man who famously led the Light Blues to their historic 2020–21 league title, ending Celtic’s decade-long dominance.
