Chaos at Ibrox as Martin’s Rangers Era Comes to an End

Published: 06 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. A report by The English Chronicle Online.

The turbulent tenure of Michael Martin at Rangers has finally reached its conclusion, leaving fans and insiders alike reflecting on an era marked by frustration, controversy, and unmet expectations. Despite an initial promising presentation to the club’s new owners, which reportedly won him favor behind closed doors, Martin’s time as head coach has been characterized by continuous challenges and mounting pressure from the supporters.

Martin, the fourth manager to be dismissed in under three years following Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale, and Philippe Clement, struggled to establish authority and secure consistent results. His predecessors, despite their own controversies, had achieved notable successes; van Bronckhorst claimed the Scottish Cup and led Rangers to the Europa League final, while Beale and Clement experienced intermittent victories in domestic and European competitions. Martin, however, faced almost constant scrutiny from day one.

Rangers fans, known for their passionate and exacting standards, quickly became disillusioned with Martin’s approach. Poor results, including draws against Falkirk, Motherwell, Dundee, St Mirren, and Celtic, coupled with defeats by Hearts and heavy losses to Club Brugge in European competitions, created a climate of frustration that Martin could not overcome. His explanations for the team’s struggles—often attributing failures to players’ anxiety, inattention to instructions, and external circumstances—failed to win back support, highlighting a disconnect between manager and club culture.

Following a particularly disappointing draw at Falkirk, Martin had to be discreetly escorted from the stadium by police, underscoring the level of unrest among fans. Even brief successes, such as a late win against Livingston, were met with boos and criticism, reflecting a deeply entrenched dissatisfaction. Over the course of 17 matches, Martin’s inability to inspire confidence or deliver results in a high-pressure environment proved fatal to his position.

Internal conflicts and questionable tactical decisions further complicated Martin’s tenure. Key players, including club captain James Tavernier and standout midfielder Nico Raskin, were at times sidelined or mishandled, creating additional tensions within the squad. Despite substantial summer investments in the team—over £20 million net spent on new signings—the expected transformation never materialized. Martin’s role as a scapegoat was clear, yet it was evident that the club’s challenges extended beyond his leadership.

Rangers’ management team, including sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart, now faces intensified scrutiny. Decisions regarding player recruitment, scouting, and strategic planning are under close examination, as fans demand accountability beyond the dismissed manager. Plans to bolster the scouting department and bring in new recruitment personnel signal the club’s intent to rebuild and stabilize, yet the lessons from Martin’s tenure remain a cautionary tale about expectations, communication, and club culture.

As Rangers prepare to enter the managerial market once again, the club confronts the ongoing challenge of finding leadership capable of reconciling ambitions with reality. Martin’s departure is a stark reminder of the pressures of managing one of Scotland’s most storied clubs, where immediate results and clear progress are demanded by both supporters and stakeholders alike. While Martin’s era at Rangers is over, the club’s journey to return to stability and success continues, highlighting the delicate balance between managerial strategy and fan expectations in modern football.