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Rangers set to sack Russell Martin after fans surround team bus in latest embarrassment

Rangers are set to sack Russell Martin as manager after a dismal 17 games in charge with the Ibrox giants slumping to a 1-1 draw with Falkirk in the Scottish League Cup on Sunday

[FALKIRK, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 04: Rangers fans protest against their manager Russell Martin and Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart during the Premier League match between Falkirk and Rangers at Falkirk Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)]

Rangers fans have made their feelings towards Martin clear(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Russell Martin is reportedly on the brink of being sacked as Rangers manager after a dismal run of 17 matches.

The decision from Ibrox chiefs comes in the wake of another disappointing performance on Sunday, which saw a 1-1 draw with newly promoted Falkirk.

Despite receiving support from sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart in recent weeks amidst a string of poor results, the tide appears to have turned. The Scottish Express reports that there was a noticeable change in tone during a meeting with fans' groups on Friday, just hours after a confrontation in an Austrian hotel following a Europa League defeat against Sturm Graz.

Sunday's draw seems to have been the last straw, with sources suggesting an announcement could be made as early as Monday.

Martin had to be escorted out of the Falkirk Stadium alone after fans prevented the team bus from leaving. Even after Bojan Miovski put Rangers ahead, fans were calling for Martin's dismissal.

[FALKIRK, SCOTLAND - OCTOBER 04: Rangers manager Russell Martin is seen during the Premier League match between Falkirk and Rangers at Falkirk Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)]

Russell Martin is set to leave Rangers(Image: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Crisis talks are scheduled for Monday, but the Scottish Express believes it's unlikely that the bosses will reverse their decision to part ways with Martin after less than four months at the helm.

Martin has managed only five victories, including a crushing 6-0 defeat in the Champions League to Brugge.

The Gers have lost both their Europa League group games and are lagging 11 points behind Premiership leaders Hearts and nine points behind Old Firm rivals Celtic in the league.

Despite some progress in the League Cup, it's unlikely to be enough to secure Martin's position.

Following Sunday's match, Martin defended his players, stating they were "giving us everything they've got" and that "I have to take responsibility for it, not them."

He further added: "There's been some really honest discussions with them in the dressing room, some frustration with them and each other, but ultimately I'm the one in charge of the team, so I have to accept responsibility. We haven't had enough wins on days like today, so it's been a frustrating period."

Martin acknowledged that the support from the Ibrox board isn't endless, but he remains confident in his ability to turn things around.

He commented: "I think it's the same everywhere. Just this club is intensified and the scrutiny is much higher, the noise is much louder.

"So every draw we've had has felt like a defeat because of the stature of this club and what it means and what we have to try and fight for.

"So I can't answer your question really, you'd have to ask the people above me."

Falkirk manager John McGlynn confessed his team "smelt blood" but expressed sympathy for his counterpart. If Martin is dismissed, he would become the shortest-serving manager in Rangers' history.

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