Rangers Initiate Recruitment Drive Following Coach Dismissal
Rangers acknowledge their misstep in appointing Russell Martin as head coach and have launched a comprehensive recruitment effort to find his successor.
The 39-year-old was relieved of his duties shortly after the team’s 1-1 draw against Falkirk, which left Rangers in eighth place in the Scottish Premiership.
During his tenure, Martin secured only one victory in seven league matches and faced defeats in European competitions against Club Brugge, Genk, and Sturm Graz.
In an open letter, Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and Vice-Chairman Paraag Marathe stated, "It’s our responsibility to rectify this situation and get the club back on track." They emphasized that a "rigorous and thoughtful recruitment process is already underway and is being treated with the urgency it deserves."
They further assured fans, "The two of us are deeply involved, and our evaluation will have our full attention until we are confident in selecting a leader who possesses the character and skillset necessary to achieve results. We have full confidence in our players, who have the talent and determination to succeed."
Cavenagh and Marathe acknowledged the challenges of change, stating, "We are not deterred by hard work; rather, we see a significant opportunity ahead. The season is not over, and we have much to compete for in all four competitions. Together, we are committed to delivering performances and results that our supporters can take pride in."
Commitment to Earn Trust
The club leaders emphasized that they do not take the loyalty of fans for granted. "We recognize the effort and emotion you invest in supporting Rangers, and it motivates us daily," they expressed. "We intend to earn your trust because we share the same goal: restoring success to Rangers. When we took over the club this summer, we outlined our vision to win trophies in Scotland and compete at a high level in Europe."
They acknowledged the need for patience, stating, "We understand that achieving these goals will take time, but our performances and results have not met expectations. We know you are frustrated, and we share that frustration. We recognize we did not get this right, and it is our responsibility to fix it and set us back on the right path."
Cavenagh and Marathe assumed their roles during the summer when Rangers was acquired by 49ers Enterprises. Patrick Stewart was appointed as chief executive, and Kevin Thelwell soon took on the role of sporting director.
Stewart and Martin faced protests from supporters prior to the recent Premier Sports Cup victory against Hibernian. Thelwell recently disclosed that Rangers had a net spending of approximately £20 million during the summer transfer window, with total expenditures estimated at £40 million.
"Significant work is underway across the club to establish a stable leadership and football structure under the guidance of Patrick and Kevin, advance detailed plans aligned with our long-term strategy, and begin early investment planning for Ibrox," said Cavenagh and Marathe. "While your focus is rightly on the pitch, this foundational work is crucial for future success."
No Interim Appointment Confirmed
As of now, it remains unclear who will lead Rangers in their upcoming match against Dundee United on October 18, followed by a Europa League match against Brann on October 23. The team has yet to earn a point in the Europa League after two defeats.
Rangers have advanced to the semi-finals of the Premier Sports Cup, where they will face the defending champions Celtic on November 2.
Former Rangers players Stevie Smith and Jonatan Johansson are currently overseeing Rangers B, including their Challenge Cup campaign against senior SPFL teams. Finn Johansson has previously worked with the first team.
Last season, after Philippe Clement’s departure as manager in February, former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson was appointed as head coach until the end of the season. Ferguson achieved six wins and five draws in his 15 matches in charge before stepping down in May. His backroom staff, which included former teammates Billy Dodds, Neil McCann, and Allan McGregor, also left, with Charai now managing Westerlo in Belgium.