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The former Rangers boss is a leading candidate for a surprise reappointment to Rangers following the official dismissal of manager the ex-Swansea boss.

The manager's ill-fated time in charge ends

The coach's ill-fated period in Glasgow finished with the gaffer exiting the Falkirk Stadium via a side door and a waiting car after a share of the points which left Rangers 11 points from the top of Scotland’s top flight after just seven matches.

Incensed supporters had encircled the squad transport in the stadium location, making their feelings clear.

Rangers board reluctant to let go of the manager

The Ibrox hierarchy had been unwilling to dismiss the former Swansea boss, who was only appointed in June, despite strong complaints from the fanbase.

However, there was an realization that the manager's position had become untenable.

The club have managed only one win of their league fixtures to date, which has been alongside poor showings on the continental stage.

Collectively, the manager secured just five victories of 17 competitive matches, with a lackluster, unclear style of play that earned him few friends.

“Although rebuilding phases take a while, outcomes have fallen short of the organization's goals,” announced a Rangers statement on Sunday evening.

“Deputy manager Matt Gill, and first-team coach Mike Williamson, will also be moving on. Russell and his coaching team have worked exceptionally hard throughout their time at the club. We thank them for their work and wish them well for the future.”

Steven Gerrard secured the championship with the team

The Liverpool legend won the title with the Ibrox side in the 2020-21 season, their sole title since over a decade ago.

His achievements in Scotland before then, alongside setbacks at Aston Villa, raises questions about his managerial capabilities.

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

The reappointment of the Anfield legend, who last managed in the Saudi league, would be widely welcomed.

The coach will also be conscious of what few options he has to be a manager in significant leagues.

Martin’s exit will intensify scrutiny on the sporting director

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

He had been strongly in favor of the manager while announcing a investment of a significant sum in the off-season.

The former boss had agreed to a three-year contract.

Martin's previous experience

The coach, who had previously coached the Dons and the Swans, led the Saints to promotion to the Premier League in 2024 after being brought in the earlier window.

He was let go last the end of the year after the Saints secured just a single victory of their opening 16 fixtures.

He was named Barry Ferguson’s successor in last month, after the interim head coach had taken over from the dismissed Philippe Clement in the earlier part of the year.