Rangers Sack Martin After 17 Games Amid Poor Results and Fan Unrest

Russell Martin has been sacked as Rangers head coach after just five months and 17 games in charge, with the club citing results that failed to meet expectations despite the hard work of Martin and his staff. His tenure was marked by a disastrous 9-1 aggregate defeat to Club Brugge in Champions League qualifying, poor domestic form with only one league win in seven matches, and early exits from European competitions. The final straw came after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk, which left the club struggling in the league and fans visibly frustrated, even blocking the team bus and requiring police intervention. Martin, who previously managed Southampton, MK Dons, and Swansea City, acknowledged the need for growth and development but insisted he would not resign. The club also announced departures of assistant head coach Matt Gill and first-team coach Mike Williamson alongside Martin. Rangers, under new American ownership, now face pressure to find a successor and improve results following the shortest managerial reign in the club's history.