Yes, Russell Martin has been sacked as Rangers head coach. ESPN.com+3Reuters+3Sky Sports+3
- The decision was confirmed on 5 October 2025 following a 1-1 draw against Falkirk. Reuters+2Sky Sports+2
- Martin’s tenure lasted 123 days, making him the shortest-serving permanent manager in Rangers’ history. Wikipedia+3The Sun+3Sky Sports+3
- Alongside Martin, assistant coach Matt Gill and first-team coach Mike Williamson were also relieved of their duties. Sky Sports+3Reuters+3ESPN.com+3
So yes, to your queries, “has Russell Martin been sacked?” / “Russell Martin sacked?” The answer is yes, that change has just occurred.
Why was Martin sacked? What went wrong?
Several factors appear to have built up, putting Martin’s position under relentless pressure:
1. Poor domestic form
- Rangers found themselves in 8th place in the Scottish Premiership after just seven league games, with only one win to that point. Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Sky Sports+3
- They were 11 points behind the leaders, an unacceptably large gap so early in the season. Sky Sports+3Reuters+3Wikipedia+3
2. European collapse
- Rangers were eliminated in the Champions League playoff round (losing heavily to Club Brugge on aggregate). Wikipedia+3Reuters+3Sky Sports+3
- Their Europa League start was also disastrous, suffering back-to-back defeats. Reuters+1
3. Fan discontent and mounting pressure
- The Falkirk draw was a tipping point: fans surrounded the team bus, blocking departure, and Martin required a police escort from the stadium. ESPN.com+3Talksport+3Reuters+3
- The intensity of the backlash and visible unrest made his position untenable. Sky Sports+2ESPN.com+2
4. Mismatch of expectations vs. results
- The club’s new ownership and sporting direction had ambitious targets. When results failed to materialize, patience was short. Reuters+3Sky Sports+3Wikipedia+3
- Martin’s style and approach were criticized for being too passive or confused for the demands at Rangers. The Guardian+1
All of these elements combined: poor results, European failure, vocal fan backlash, and high expectations created a crucible in which Martin’s position became unsustainable.
** Where does that leave Rangers now? (Immediate outlook) **
- The club has not yet named a permanent replacement. Reuters+2Talksport+2
- An interim structure or caretaker is expected while the board and sporting leadership evaluate candidates.
Rangers are keen to stabilize the situation quickly, partly because their season is already under threat (they are well off pace domestically, and European exit damage is already done). Timing will matter: bringing in a manager who can steady the ship is critical.
** Odds & frontrunners: Who might be next Rangers manager? **
With Martin gone, bookmakers have already adjusted their odds for who might replace him. Here’s where things stand (as of latest):
| Candidate | Approx. Odds / Market Position* | Notes / Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Muscat | ~2/1 The Scotsman+4The Scotsman+4BettingOdds.com+4 | Former Rangers player; experience abroad; already being heavily backed in markets. The Scotsman+1 |
| Danny Rohl | ~9/4 The Scotsman+2bet365 News+2 | Young German coach, seen as a modern option. The Scotsman+1 |
| Steven Gerrard | ~5/2 Talksport+4BettingOdds.com+4Sky Sports+4 | Popular with fans, previous success at Rangers. The Guardian+1 |
| Sean Dyche | ~11/4 Sky Sports+3BettingOdds.com+3Oddschecker.com+3 | Experienced in British football, clear profile. Sky Sports |
| Derek McInnes | ~7/2 BettingOdds.com+2Oddschecker.com+2 | Scottish credentials, known name. |
| Others (e.g. Barry Ferguson, Gary O’Neil) | Longer odds | Seen more as wildcards or sentimental options. Oddschecker.com+1 |
* Odds are approximate and subject to change as markets adjust. Check with betting-firms for live pricing.
As per Oddschecker, Kevin Muscat leads at 2/1, followed by Danny Rohl and Steven Gerrard. Oddschecker.com
Scotsman also notes Muscat installed as early frontrunner. The Scotsman
Some media also suggest Gerrard is being strongly considered for a return. The Guardian+1
** What traits will Rangers look for in a new manager? **
Given how things unraveled, Rangers will likely prioritize:
- Experience and authority: Someone with proven track record, capable of handling pressure and expectations.
- Tactical adaptability: In the more rigorous landscape of Scottish and European football, rigid styles won’t cut it.
- Man management & communication: To reconnect with players and fans, rebuild trust is key.
- Quick impact: They’ll want someone who can deliver stability and results sooner rather than later.
Thus, former stars or well-known names could be appealing, but so might ambitious, progressive coaches if they present the right package.
** Going forward: What to watch out for **
- Official announcement from Rangers
- The club will likely reveal either an interim or permanent successor soon (especially with fixture congestion looming).
- Media leaks / names emerging
- Watch statements from Gerrard, Dyche, or Muscat that hint at interest.
- Insider reporting from Scottish football media in next few days will be crucial.
- Fan reaction & pressure
- With tensions already high, supporters will scrutinize any decision heavily.
- Early results
- Whoever comes in must quickly arrest the slump good early results will buy goodwill; continued poor form will invite pressure again.