Rangers Football Club has announced the dismissal of Russell Martin as head coach after just 17 games in charge. The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership. The result leaves the Glasgow club trailing league leaders Hearts by 11 points.
The club released a statement confirming the departure, stating that results had not met expectations despite a transition period. Assistant Head Coach Matt Gill and First-Team Coach Mike Williamson will also be leaving the club.
Martin's tenure at Ibrox lasted only four months, making him the shortest-serving permanent manager in the club's 153-year history. During his time in charge, Rangers won just five matches across all competitions. In the Scottish Premiership, the team managed only one victory in seven games. They are also winless in three Europa League matches.
The draw against Falkirk proved to be the final straw for the Rangers hierarchy. After the game, a group of fans blocked the team bus outside Falkirk Stadium, and Martin required a police escort to his car amidst relentless booing from the crowd.
Speaking after the draw, before his dismissal, Martin insisted that he was focused on the bigger picture and would continue to help the team until instructed otherwise. He acknowledged the fans' desire for wins but emphasized the need to develop the team's younger players.
Martin's playing career included a loan spell with Rangers in 2018, where he made 17 appearances. Prior to joining Rangers as head coach in June 2025, he managed Milton Keynes Dons, Swansea City, and Southampton. He guided Southampton to promotion to the Premier League via the playoffs but was dismissed in December 2024.
Rangers' next match is a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Celtic on November 2. The club has not yet announced a replacement for Martin.
This marks the first time Rangers have appointed a 'head coach' instead of a manager, reflecting a new structure implemented after a US takeover in the summer. The new structure is designed to allow the head coach to prioritize on-field performance.
[Update:] As of October 4, 2025, Skip Schumaker was named as the new manager for the Texas Rangers, agreeing to a four-year contract.
