Russell Martin was sacked by Rangers last night to bring an end to his nightmare stint as boss at Ibrox.
The Light Blues have had a dire start to their campaign this season having been wiped out by Club Brugge 9-1 in their Champions League qualifiers early on.
They have also begun their Scottish Premiership in disastrous form with only eight points from seven matches and one victory in that timeframe to their name.
Martin alienated some supporters with treatment of Nico Raskin who is a fan favourite while his tactical naivety also had punters questioning his suitability from early on.
Now the club have finally – in their fanbases’ minds – bit the bullet and axed the former Swansea and Southampton coach after just 17 matches in charge of the club he played for.
Rangers sack Russell Martin
Gers’ statement read: “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.”
It leaves a hole for the hierarchy to fill and they should already have a handful of names they could potentially turn to to help steady the ship.
We had a look at five head coaches the Light Blues may look towards as they hunt a new boss…
Next Rangers manager options as board seek Martin replacement
Steven Gerrard
The former boss is out of work having left Al-Ettifaq earlier this year and many fans believe their club has unfinished business with the Liverpool icon.
Gerrard departed for Aston Villa when he and Gers were flying high and he could be tempted for a comeback if he considers the timing to be right.
Supporters would certainly be open to his return.
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – JULY 29: Sean Dyche, Manager of Everton looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Stoke City and Everton at Bet365 Stadium on July 29, 2023 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Sean Dyche
Ex-Burnley and Everton manager Dyche is known for his no-nonsense style and he would 100 percent ditch any lingering Martin plans.
Would surely get a tune out of the current Rangers set-up if he was given the task as he would get them back to basics – which means defending properly and scoring goals by any means necessary.
Derek McInnes
Has Hearts flying at the top of the Scottish Premiership table with an incredible six victories and one draw from their opening seven matches.
The Jambos feel they can push Celtic in the division this term and on early viewings, they should.
However, McInnes may not be there the entire campaign if Gers move to land their former midfielder. He has rejected the job before but might feel now is the time.
Stephen Robinson
A left-field shout for the job. Not because he is not qualified to take a bigger job than he has had in the past – Motherwell, Morecambe and now St Mirren – but because Gers may feel there are ‘bigger names’ available.
Robinson has guided the Steelmen and Buddies to Cup Finals and regular top six spots and he knows the division inside out.
Would be an interesting choice if the board were to give him a chance.
Kevin Muscat
Muscat previously played for Rangers and knows what it takes to win, win, win.
The expectations at the club won’t faze the Australian who has won trophies as a manager in his home country, Japan and China.
Was a desired candidate previously – before Philippe Clement – and may be looked at again.
