# Rangers Sack Russell Martin in Shocking Move Immediately After Europa League Humiliation to Sturm Graz
**Glasgow, October 2, 2025** – In a dramatic turn of events at Ibrox, Rangers Football Club has parted ways with head coach Russell Martin just hours after a crushing 2-1 defeat to Sturm Graz in the Europa League. The Austrian champions struck twice in the first half through midfielder T. Hovats and O. Kiteishvili, leaving Martin’s side chasing the game. Despite a late consolation goal from Gassama , the result proved to be the final straw for a tenure that promised much but delivered only despair.
The sacking, confirmed by a reliable Journalist in a terse statement, ends Martin’s ill-fated stint after just three months in charge. “This decision, though painful, is in the best interests of Rangers FC as we strive to regain our competitive edge,” the journalist reveals. “We thank Russell for his efforts and wish him well.” Sources close to the club reveal the board had been deliberating for weeks, but the Graz loss—witnessed by a subdued traveling support—forced their hand.
Martin’s arrival in July was hailed as a fresh start following the underwhelming era of predecessor Philippe Clement. The Englishman, known for his possession-based style from spells at Southampton and MK Dons, was tasked with rebuilding after Rangers’ 9-1 aggregate demolition by Club Brugge in the Champions League playoffs. Yet, his reign quickly unraveled. A winless start to the Scottish Premiership—four draws and a loss—saw the Gers slump to 11th in the table, their worst opening in 47 years. Fan protests erupted at Ibrox, with over 12,000 boycotting the 1-0 home loss to Genk last week amid chants of “Sack the lot!”
Even a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Livingston on Sunday, sealed by Max Aarons’ 94th-minute screamer, offered scant respite. Injuries to key players like Rabbi Matondo and Dujon Sterling, coupled with Mohamed Diomande’s suspension from the Genk red card, hampered Martin’s options in Austria. Sturm Graz, buoyed by a strong Bundesliga campaign, exploited Rangers’ frailty with clinical efficiency, extending their unbeaten European home run to five.
The pressure had been mounting. Reports from late September indicated the board was scouting alternatives, including former Celtic boss Neil Lennon and Aberdeen’s Barry Robson. Martin’s post-match demeanor—described as “bruised” and evasive—only fueled speculation he had lost the dressing room. “It’s been tough, but football moves fast,” he told reporters after the final whistle, a comment now laden with irony.
As Rangers lick their wounds, questions swirl: Who next? Cavenagh’s reluctance to act earlier has drawn ire from supporters, with one Ibrox regular telling BBC Scotland, “This was inevitable. We need a fighter, not a philosopher.” With a must-win league clash against Falkirk looming before the international break, the search for Martin’s successor intensifies. For now, the Light Blues’ European dream hangs by a thread, and Ibrox faithful demands
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