More big-name Rangers sackings demanded as Russell Martin exit finally confirmed – ‘How?’
Russell Martin has finally been sacked by Rangers after 123 days in charge.
It has been an abysmal start to the season for the Bears, with the decision to sack Martin coming after Rangers’ 1-1 draw to Falkirk on 5 October.
Andrew Cavenagh had continued to back Martin, yet the draw with Falkirk proved to be the final straw for the former Southampton manager.
Calls are now being made for other board members at Rangers to be sacked, with the American owners already under huge pressure in Govan.
Richard Keys demands more repercussions for the Rangers board
Martin’s inability to change his playing style was a key factor in his Rangers’ demise, with the Light Blues looking weak in defence and uninspiring in attack.
Rangers fan protests for the Genk and Hibernian matches at Ibrox also forced Cavenagh’s hand, as boycotts would have continued the longer Martin remained in Govan.
Most importantly, the results under Martin were simply not good enough, with Rangers’ embarrassing exit from the Champions League play-offs marking the first moment fans called for him to be sacked.
Richard Keys has taken to X to criticise the Rangers board for the role they played in appointing him.
Keys wrote: “It’s beggars’ belief that Russell Martin can be sacked but those who thought it was a good idea to appoint him stay in post. How?
“They’re culpable. They should follow him out of the building.”
It’s fair to say Martin has been backed in the transfer window, with Rangers having a net spend of £20m across the summer.
Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart have played a big role in Rangers’ failures in 2025-26, but ultimately, the blame will always lie with the manager.
Martin was unpopular from the moment he walked through the door, with many Bears fans instantly believing he was not the right man for the job.
However, whilst the buck does stop with the manager, Thelwell’s influence on this team is evident.
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Kevin Thelwell must take a lot of the blame
Thelwell was hugely criticised for his role in the signings of Emmanuel Fernandez and Youssef Chermiti, among many others.
His general view towards the transfer window was one of incompetence, signing unproven players from the EFL who lacked the mentality to play for Rangers.
This week, he doubled down by appointing his son, Robbie Thelwell, as the new head of recruitment, while also bringing in Nathan Fisher and Jim Liggett.
Whilst it’s probably unlikely that Thelwell will be the next Rangers figure to be sacked, the pressure is now firmly on him to deliver top-quality players for the next manager that comes through the door.
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