Rangers Fans in Disbelief After Club’s Cryptic Tribute to Sacked Russell Martin – As Agreement Reached with Steven Gerrard
Glasgow, October 7, 2025 – In the wake of one of the most chaotic chapters in recent Rangers history, Ibrox faithful are reeling from a social media post that has left them questioning the club’s direction. Just two days after sacking head coach Russell Martin following a dismal 1-1 draw with Falkirk, Rangers FC shared a seemingly innocuous tribute to the beleaguered boss – a move that’s sparked outrage and confusion among supporters already battered by a nightmarish start to the season.
The official club account on X (formerly Twitter) posted on October 7: “Russell Martin arrived at Ibrox with big ideas and a bold vision. While our time together was short, his passion for possession-based football and player development leaves a lasting mark. We thank him for his efforts and wish him every success. #ThankYouRussell.” Accompanied by a photo of Martin smiling during his June unveiling, the message was intended as a classy farewell. But to Rangers fans, long skeptical of Martin’s appointment from the outset, it felt like salt in the wound.
“Absolute joke,” fumed one supporter on X, echoing a chorus of disbelief. “He’s the shortest-serving manager in our 153-year history, oversaw a 9-1 Champions League qualifying humiliation, and left us eighth in the table – and this is how we say goodbye? Like he’s some hero?” Another added: “Fans blocked the bus and needed police horses to get out of Falkirk. Now this soft tribute? Board lost the plot.” The post, viewed over 50,000 times within hours, drew hundreds of angry replies, with many accusing the American-owned club of tone-deafness amid a fan advisory board’s earlier calls for Martin’s head.
Martin’s 123-day tenure – the briefest in club history – was a disaster from kickoff. Appointed on a three-year deal after guiding Southampton to promotion (only to be sacked months later), he promised a “cultural reset” with attacking flair. Instead, Rangers mustered just one league win from seven, suffered Europa League defeats to Genk and Sturm Graz, and trailed leaders Hearts by 11 points. Protests escalated: banners at Ibrox reading “RM: Get Out Now,” boos raining down, and post-Falkirk chaos that required a police escort for Martin. His assistants, Matt Gill and Mike Williamson, departed with him.
Yet, as fans vented fury at the tribute, whispers of redemption emerged. Sources close to Ibrox revealed late Monday that Rangers have reached an agreement in principle with Steven Gerrard for a sensational return. The Liverpool legend, who delivered the 2020-21 Premiership title – Rangers’ first in a decade – is the frontrunner after his stints at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq. Talks with Gerrard’s camp, ongoing since Martin’s exit, could see him installed before the October 18 home clash with Dundee United. Other names like Danny Röhl and Sean Dyche were considered, but Gerrard’s trophy pedigree tipped the scales.
The news, unconfirmed officially, has ignited cautious optimism. “If it’s Stevie G, I’ll forgive the Martin love-in,” one fan tweeted. “But that post? Disbelief doesn’t cover it.” As Rangers navigate their fourth managerial change in three years, the Ibrox faithful cling to hope that Gerrard’s homecoming can salvage a season teetering on the brink. For now, the tribute stands as a bizarre epilogue to Martin’s flop – a reminder that in football, as at Ibrox, emotions run as deep as the disappointments.
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