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Steven Gerrard is a leading candidate for a dramatic comeback to the Scottish giants following the official dismissal of manager the former Southampton coach.

The manager's ill-fated Ibrox tenure ends

The coach's troubled period in Glasgow finished with the manager departing the Falkirk Stadium via a side door and a waiting car after a level finish which left the Ibrox club a significant margin from the summit of Scotland’s top flight after just seven games.

Furious supporters had surrounded the Rangers team bus in Falkirk, making their feelings clear.

Club hierarchy hesitant to let go of Martin

The Rangers board had been reluctant to let go of the coach, who was only brought in in last month, despite vociferous complaints from supporters.

However, there was an acknowledgement that the 39-year-old’s role had become unsustainable.

Rangers have managed only one win of their league fixtures to date, which has been alongside disappointing displays in European competition.

Overall, the coach managed only five wins of 17 fixtures, with a passive, muddled style of play that earned him few friends.

“While all transition periods take a while, outcomes have fallen short of the club’s expectations,” announced a club announcement on Sunday evening.

“Assistant head coach the assistant, and senior coach the coach, will also be departing. Martin and his staff have put in tremendous effort throughout their tenure. We thank them for their efforts and hope for the best for the future.”

The former manager won the title with the team

Gerrard claimed the league with the Ibrox side in 2020-21, their only championship since that year.

His performance in Scotland before then, combined with setbacks at the Birmingham club, creates uncertainty about his leadership skills.

Yet he is highly regarded by the very fanbase the team urgently require back on side.

The return of the Anfield legend, who previously worked in the Middle East, would be widely welcomed.

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

The departure will heighten focus on the sporting director

The coaching change will heighten focus on Thelwell, the Rangers sporting director.

He had been very backing of the manager while announcing a investment of a significant sum in the off-season.

Martin had put pen to paper on a long-term deal.

His earlier positions

The coach, who had formerly managed MK Dons and the Swans, managed Southampton to a rise to the Premier League in 2024 after being appointed the earlier window.

He was sacked last December after the the club won only one of their first 16 games.

He was chosen as the interim boss's next in line in the summer, after the interim head coach had succeeded the sacked Clement in the earlier part of the year.