Russell Martin fired as head coach of struggling Scottish soccer giant Rangers

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Russell Martin was fired as head coach of Rangers after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk on Sunday left the illustrious Glasgow soccer club in the bottom half of the Scottish Premiership.

Hired by Rangers only four months ago, the 39-year-old Martin had just one victory in seven league games in charge. Police on horseback helped escort him out of the Falkirk Stadium car park as Rangers fans vented their anger at the result.

“Rangers Football Club confirms that it has parted company with head coach Russell Martin,” a club statement said. “While all transition periods require some time, results have not met the club’s expectations.”

The former MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton manager secured just five wins in 17 games overall.

Rangers has seen its fierce Glasgow rival Celtic draw level with its record haul of Scottish top-flight titles — both clubs now have 55 — by winning the Premiership in 13 of the last 14 seasons. Celtic is currently second in the league.

Sunday’s draw left Rangers eighth in the 12-team standings, 11 points behind leader Hearts.

Rangers confirmed that Martin’s assistant, Matt Gill, and first-team coach Mike Williamson would also be departing.

“Russell and his staff have worked exceptionally hard throughout their time at the club,” the statement said. “We thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future.

“Further updates from the club will follow in due course.”

Appointing Martin — an Englishman who played international soccer for Scotland — was a big move at the time by Rangers after a U.S.-based consortium, which includes an investment arm of the San Francisco 49ers, purchased a majority ownership stake in the club.

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