BREAKING: Rangers sack Russell Martin after four months as managerial decision confirmed

Rangers have sacked manager Russell Martin as they sit 11 points behind in the title race. The former Swansea City and Southampton boss leaves the Ibrox club after just one win in seven.

Pressure has been mounting on the English manager in recent weeks and his time in Glasgow came to a head after their 1-1 draw with Falkirk. Martin's side were looking to return to winning ways after their shock 2-1 defeat to Sturm Graz in the Europa League on Thursday.

Anger has been rising at Ibrox following a poor start under Martin, supporters have been protesting against the tactician and following the draw on Sunday,he had to be given a police escort as furious fans blocked the team bus from departing.

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Following his sacking by Southampton last December, the 39-year-old was afforded the opportunity to return to management at the Scottish giants, replacing Philippe Clement.

However, he has won just five of his first 17 games across all competitions.

On Sunday evening, the club released a statement confirming the departure of Martin alongside assistant head coach Matt Gill and first-team coach Mike Williamson.

"Rangers Football Club confirms that it has parted company with Head Coach, Russell Martin," the statement began.

"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.

"Further updates from the club will follow in due course."

Martin felt that improvement had been made under his stewardship and speaking to Sky Sports on Sunday, he said: "There has been improvement. Maybe not in results but performance a lot, but I know everyone just wants to win games.

"I hear everyone saying it all the time, you just have to win. You also have to have a way to learn and grow and develop.

"You can't just win sustainably, in my opinion. You can't just win.

"Also, you can't just win if you don't have a team of seasoned men with thousands of games under their belt collectively that no-one understands.

"We haven't got that. We've got a lot of young players that are growing into it and they need a lot of help.

"My job is to keep trying to help them and I'll do it until I'm told not to."

Rangers now have the international break to conduct their managerial search before they return to league action at home to Dundee United.

Former manager Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl have been named among the early contenders to succeed Martin.

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