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The Anfield icon is under serious review for a surprise reappointment to Ibrox following the announced departure of manager the former Southampton coach.

Martin's ill-fated spell at Rangers ends

His troubled Ibrox tenure concluded with the boss leaving the the away venue via a side door and a pre-arranged transport after a 1-1 draw which left Rangers a significant margin from the top of Scotland’s top flight after just seven fixtures.

Furious supporters had surrounded the club coach in the stadium location, showing their discontent.

Ibrox directors unwilling to dismiss the manager

The Rangers board had been unwilling to part with the former Swansea boss, who was only brought in in last month, despite vociferous complaints from fans.

However, there was an understanding that the manager's job had become untenable.

Rangers have secured just a single victory of their league fixtures to date, which has been coupled with dismal displays in European competition.

Collectively, Martin won only five of 17 official games, with a lackluster, unclear footballing philosophy that gained little support.

“While all transition periods require some time, outcomes have failed to reach the club’s expectations,” announced a Rangers statement on the weekend.

“Number two Gill, and senior coach the coach, will also be moving on. Russell and his backroom team have given their all throughout their spell. We are grateful for their efforts and wish them well for the future.”

The former manager secured the championship with the team

The Liverpool legend secured the championship with the Ibrox side in that campaign, their lone triumph since over a decade ago.

His achievements in Glasgow before then, combined with difficulties at Aston Villa, brings doubts about his managerial capabilities.

Yet he is held in high esteem by the very set of fans Rangers urgently require back on side.

The reappointment of the Liverpool icon, who previously worked in Saudi Arabia, would prove hugely popular.

The coach will also be mindful of what scarce chances he has to be a manager in major divisions.

Martin’s exit will intensify scrutiny on the sporting director

The manager's departure will heighten focus on Kevin Thelwell, the Ibrox director.

He had been very backing of the gaffer while publicly revealing a investment of a significant sum in the off-season.

Martin had signed a long-term deal.

The coach's past roles

Martin, who had formerly managed the League One side and Swansea, guided the south coast club to a rise to the Premier League in 2024 after being hired the previous summer.

He was let go last winter after the Southampton won only one of their first 16 games.

He was chosen as Barry Ferguson’s replacement in the summer, after the interim head coach had replaced the dismissed the former manager in winter.