🔗 Share this article

The former Rangers boss is being strongly considered for a surprise reappointment to Ibrox following the official dismissal of manager the former Southampton coach.

His ill-fated spell at Rangers comes to a close

Martin's troubled period in Glasgow ended with the boss leaving the Falkirk Stadium via a back exit and a vehicle on standby after a 1-1 draw which left the Ibrox club a significant margin from the peak of Scotland’s top flight after just seven games.

Angry fans had encircled the squad transport in the away ground, making their feelings clear.

Rangers board unwilling to let go of the manager

The Rangers board had been unwilling to part with the former Swansea boss, who was only brought in in the summer, despite vociferous objections from fans.

However, there was an realization that the 39-year-old’s job had become impossible.

The team have managed only one win of their top-flight games to date, which has been alongside disappointing displays in European competition.

Collectively, the manager won only five of 17 official games, with a uninspiring, confused brand of football that earned him few friends.

“Although rebuilding phases need patience, results have not met the club’s expectations,” said a official communication on Sunday evening.

“Deputy manager Matt Gill, and first-team staff member Williamson, will also be departing. Russell and his coaching team have worked exceptionally hard throughout their time at the club. We thank them for their efforts and send best wishes for the time ahead.”

The former manager secured the championship with the club

The former England captain secured the championship with the Ibrox side in 2020-21, their sole title since that year.

His achievements in Scotland before then, combined with setbacks at Villa, creates uncertainty about his managerial capabilities.

Yet he is greatly respected by the very set of fans Rangers urgently require back on side.

The reappointment of the Liverpool icon, who previously worked in Saudi Arabia, would be widely welcomed.

The manager will also be mindful of what few options he has to be a gaffer in major divisions.

The departure will increase pressure on the sporting director

Martin’s exit will increase pressure on Thelwell, the club's recruitment chief.

He had been hugely supportive of the coach while publicly revealing a transfer outlay of a significant sum in the off-season.

Martin had signed a multi-year agreement.

Martin's previous experience

Martin, who had previously coached the Dons and Swansea, led the south coast club to a rise to the Premier League in the previous season after being brought in the previous summer.

He was let go last winter after the Saints won only one of their first 16 games.

He was appointed the former captain's replacement in the summer, after the interim head coach had succeeded the fired the former manager in the earlier part of the year.