Russell Martin was sacked as Rangers manager on Sunday night, with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard now being tipped to make a sensational return to the Ibrox side
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard could be set for a poignant return to Rangers after Russell Martin was given his marching orders. The ex-Southampton chief was shown the door at Ibrox on Sunday evening.
Despite arriving at the club only during the summer, mounting pressure from supporters had been building around the manager. In Martin’s seven league matches at the helm, Rangers managed to secure victory in just one fixture.
The breaking point came with Sunday’s deflating 1-1 stalemate against Falkirk, a result that sees them languishing in eighth position, 11 points off top spot. After the match, Martin was forced to use alternative transport from the team bus and required a security escort amid tensions among supporters.
In a late Sunday evening statement, Rangers announced: “Rangers Football Club confirms that it has parted company with head coach, Russell Martin.
“While all transition periods require some time, results have not met the club’s expectations. Assistant head coach, Matt Gill, and first-team Coach, Mike Williamson, will also be departing.
“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. Further updates from the club will follow in due course.”
The hunt for a successor has begun, with betting firms placing Gerrard amongst the favourites for the position. If appointed, it would signal a homecoming to the club that initially offered him his maiden opportunity as a senior manager.
Gerrard took the reins at Rangers in 2018 after a stint coaching Liverpool’s youth teams. His three-year tenure saw the club clinch the Scottish Premiership title in the 2020/21 season.
He then moved to Aston Villa in November 2021, but his time there was short-lived as he was sacked less than a year later. Gerrard’s most recent managerial role was with Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq, which he left in January.
According to The Guardian, Rangers chiefs view Gerrard as a ‘strong contender’ for the now vacant position at Ibrox. However, he reportedly faces competition from former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl and ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche, both of whom are currently jobless.
Meanwhile, former Rangers chairman Dave King has backed Gerrard to return to Ibrox. He told STV: “I would love to see Steven back at the club. He’s a winner and will get more out of the squad than we have witnessed so far.
“We have been watching a team that doesn’t seem to have a plan for what to do when in possession and when out of possession. Steven would quickly sort that out.”
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