Scottish giants Rangers sack Russell Martin after poor start to season

Rangers have sacked Russell Martin

Rangers have sacked manager Russell Martin, the club said on Sunday, after a disappointing start to the season which has left them eighth in the Scottish Premiership standings.

Martin, sacked by Southampton in December, took over at Rangers in June signing a three-year contract, but the club quickly ran out of patience after a dismal run of results.

Sunday's 1-1 draw at Falkirk proved the final straw, with Rangers 11 points behind league leaders Hearts after seven games.

"While all transition periods require some time, results have not met the club's expectations," a club statement said.

Rangers failed to reach the league phase of the Champions League, knocked out by Club Brugge in the playoff round, and have begun their Europa League campaign with two defeats, to Genk and Sturm Graz.

The club said that assistant coach, Matt Gill, and first-team coach, Mike Williamson, will also be departing, with no news of Martin's replacement.