Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in line for Rangers return after Russell Martin is finally sacked after DISASTROUS 17-game spell that ended with beleaguered manager needing police escort

Ex-MK Dons, Swansea City and Southampton boss Martin only took charge at Ibrox over the summer. His ball-playing philosophy was considered to be a good fit for Rangers, but many fans had their doubts from the off. Those fears proved to be well founded, with Martin stumbling out of the blocks and never getting into his stride.

A 1-1 draw with Falkirk proved to be the final straw, with Rangers left languishing in eighth spot after picking up just eight points from seven top-flight fixtures this season. They have just one league win to their name and are already 11 points adrift of table-topping Hearts, while trailing Old Firm rivals Celtic by nine points.

Furious Gers followers surrounded the team bus following another abject display at Falkirk, with Martin requiring a police escort as he made his way out of the stadium and into a waiting car. Speculation quickly surfaced regarding a managerial change.

That news was confirmed in a statement on Rangers’ official website, which read: “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.”

Martin won only five of his 17 matches at the helm, with more disappointing results being endured in European competition. His brand of football did not live up to expectations, with his approach considered to be passive, and the Gers board were left with little choice but to wield the axe.

A suitable successor to Martin is now being sought. According to The Guardian, Gerrard is one of those being considered. The ex-England captain cut his coaching teeth with the Gers in 2018 and led them to the Premiership title in 2020-21 - their only championship win since 2011. He left in 2021 for Aston Villa.

However, his return to the Premier League did not play out as planned, with 40 games over 11 months spent in the West Midlands, while struggles were also endured in the Middle East with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. Gerrard left his role there in January and has remained out of management ever since.

He is still held in high regard by Rangers supporters and would be welcomed back with open arms. Gers icon Ally McCoist told GOAL of a possible return to Glasgow for Gerrard when speculation first surfaced towards the end of last season: “Absolutely I could, yeah. Because of Steven’s success in winning the league at the club, it would be a possibility. He is obviously very well thought of after winning not just a title, but a very important title.”

McCoist has since said of Gerrard: “It’s absolutely vital that his next job is the right one. It didn’t quite work out at Villa or in Saudi. It’s similar to Frank Lampard - his move to Coventry has been crucial in getting his managerial career back on track. Steven’s in that same position. His next step needs to be spot on.”

Rangers also need to get their next decision right, with sporting director Kevin Thelwell under pressure to deliver after handing Martin a three-year contract and a net spend of £20 million ($27m) in the summer transfer window.

Alongside Gerrard, it is also being claimed that former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl may be of appeal to the Gers. Former Burnley and Everton boss Sean Dyche is another coach that is currently out of work and could be charged with the task of delivering a reversal in fortune for Glasgow-based giants.