adminRANGERS Next Manager: 10 Favourites to Replace Sacked RUSSELL MARTIN
Steven Gerrard return to Rangers now on the cards, ‘Saudi exit deal needs to be negotiated
Russell Martin continues to be scrutinised as Rangers sit 11th in the Scottish Premiership.
Gers fans continue to boycott Ibrox matches, with over 12,000 fans not in attendance for the disappointing defeat to Genk.
Andrew Cavenagh continues to back Martin, despite facing anger from supporters who are fed up with the former Southampton manager.
Rangers have been linked with a host of different managers to replace Martin, and fan-favourite Steven Gerrard could complete a remarkable return to G51.
Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard
Credit: Getty
Steven Gerrard must navigate Saudi Arabia exit amid Rangers links
Gerrard has been in Saudi Arabia for the last two years, having managed Al Ettifaq from July 2023 to January 2025.
Whilst he is currently unemployed, it is not certain whether he would leave Asia due to tax laws and family reasons.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 26 September, Ray Parlour spoke about a potential managerial return for Gerrard at Ibrox.
He said: “Everyone was thinking Steven Gerrard would go back at one stage, and that might still happen.
“Who knows what his Saudi deal is, but it’s a situation where they have to make big decisions.”
Gerrard became a Rangers hero in 2020/21, when he won the Scottish Premiership for Rangers and stopped Celtic from making it 10 titles in a row.
Games managed 193
Wins 125
Draws 42
Losses 26
Win percentage 64.8
Gerrard’s record at Rangers
Gerrard enjoyed over three years in Govan before leaving to take the Aston Villa job in November 2021.
With Rangers currently in turmoil following the disastrous start to the season, Gerrard has been strongly linked with a return to Ibrox.
With Martin on the verge of the sack, a new manager will be needed at Ibrox, and Gerrard is the perfect candidate.
Steven Gerrard would be a fantastic appointment for Rangers
Gerrard got the best out of so many players during his time at Rangers, with captain James Tavernier in the best form of his career under the Liverpudlian.
Tavernier has looked like a shell of his former self this season, as Martin’s tactics have left him exposed and vulnerable down the right-hand side.
The Liverpool legend would get the best out of players like Oliver Antman and Mikey Moore, just as he did with Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe.
Bringing back Gerrard would be a fun blast from the past, and despite his managerial struggles since leaving Rangers, he would be positively welcomed back.
It’s clear to see that fans are fed up with Martin at the moment, and Gerrard would provide the Bears with some much-needed confidence.
Tensions are running high at Rangers as manager Russell Martin faces growing discontent from senior players and fans alike.
According to reports, three senior players have expressed their unhappiness with Martin’s leadership, even going as far as to threaten to quit if changes aren’t made. These players have reportedly been absent from training, further exacerbating the situation.
Player Discontent
The players’ frustration seems to stem from Martin’s tactics and leadership style. Former Celtic striker Ally McCoist believes Martin is “in big trouble” and needs to make a “dramatic” turnaround to save his job. McCoist’s assessment comes after Rangers’ 1-0 defeat to Genk in their UEFA Europa League opener, a match in which the team’s performance was widely criticized.¹
Fan Reaction
Fans have also been vocal about their discontent with Martin’s management. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some calling for Martin to be sacked. The atmosphere at Ibrox Stadium has been described as “toxic,” with chants of “sack Martin” echoing around the grounds.
Martin’s Leadership Style
Martin’s leadership style has been questioned by many, including former player Kris Boyd, who believes the manager needs to get the right type of characters in the dressing room. Boyd also questioned the legitimacy of Hamza Igamane’s injury claim, suggesting that the player might not be fully committed to the team.²
## Potential Consequences
The situation at Rangers is becoming increasingly dire, with many believing that Martin’s job is on the line. If the team’s performance doesn’t improve, it’s likely that Martin will face the consequences, including potential dismissal. The board’s patience is wearing thin, and fans are demanding action.³
What’s Next?
As the situation unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Martin responds to the criticism. Will he be able to turn things around and lead the team to success, or will the pressure become too much? Only time will tell.
In conclusion, the discontent among Rangers players and fans is a clear sign that something needs to change. Whether it’s Martin’s tactics, leadership style, or something else entirely, the team needs to find a way to work together and achieve success. The fans won’t settle for anything less, and the board is unlikely to tolerate continued failure.
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