Russell Martin could probably expect to be given legendary status at Southampton FC after leading them to a legendary Championship play off final win against Leeds United, but his stubbornness & arrogance cost him his job at St Mary's and now at Rangers.

After today's 1-1 draw at Falkirk Russell Martin needed to be given a police escort to an unmarked car and secreted out of the stadium again with the aid of the police after angry Rangers fans barricaded the team coach in protest against the former Saints man.

Sky Sports News have reported that Rangers have now had enough and sacked him after just 123 days in charge.

There won't be many Southampton supporters who will have much sympathy, he remained in his job last season for too long after it became clear that he had no interest in trying to save the club from if not relegation, at least the shame of having the lowest points total, instead he chose to run his own agenda and stubbornly refused to change the draconian style of possession football to suit the players he had to hand.

Whilst no one likes to see a manager sacked, it seems history repeats itself with Martin trolling out the same excuses to the Rangers faithful that he did to Saints supporters.

The statement from Rangers read as follows:

"Rangers Football Club confirms that it has parted company with head coach, Russell Martin," a statement read.

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

"Assistant head coach, Matt Gill, and first-team coach, Mike Williamson, will also be departing.

"Russell and his staff have worked exceptionally hard throughout their time at the club. We thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future."

All Photos Via Reuters

codge added 23:13 - Oct 5 Such a shame 🤣
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SaintPaulVW added 07:28 - Oct 6 As a self professed Buddhist, I'm surprised he is so dogmatic. Surely, by now, he must see that a flexible approach to tactics is not a weakness.
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beynali73 added 10:02 - Oct 6 Reading the comments over the past few months by the Scottish press felt like deja-vu from a Saints PoV. Surprised he messed up this quickly and be interesting to see if he gets anther job. Although with 2 big pay offs he can probably take some more time off to rethink his strategy. Very very odd attitude to football management.
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underweststand added 10:16 - Oct 6 Judging by the reaction in the Scottish media I'm surprised he's lasted so long as he did. Not sure if he's using the same formation / strategy that he did with us, but clearly it didn't work in the SPL either. I think " we got lucky" the season we got promoted as many Championship teams didn't expect the high % possession game, but in time he got sussed out, even though we did eventually get promotion, the personnel we had then was barely good enough to get promotion and was totally unsuitable to compete in the Prem. Enthusiasm and psychology isn't enough, and ( like Will Still) he bought in half a new team who struggled from Day 1, and the existing Gers players didn't take to the many changes. I'm sure they MIGHT have done better for him, but maybe another case of Player Power. Difficult to feel too sorry for him with all that compensation he will be getting. If he ever wants to return to management(?) he might have to go back to League One status.

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SanMarco added 16:39 - Oct 6 We have to remember, of course, that none of this has ever in any way, shape or form been even one tiny bit RM's fault. He and his 'philosophy' are world class. If only he wasn't being constantly let down. Maybe if he goes down the toilet enough times he will realise that it's a turd he's been polishing all along but I expect we are a few sackings away from that yet...

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Colburn added 17:50 - Oct 6 He must’ve made a few quid in the last 9 months though.. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him back in the Championship again by the end of the season. Norwich?
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Boris1977 added 22:18 - Oct 6 Football is too boring with RMs comedic football turns so looking forward to the next job he gets to provide everyone else with the entertainment. Shame poopey are doing ok so far....
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EastStandAdiLaddy added 20:29 - Oct 7 I went up for the Old Firm game as I follow Rangers. They don't suffer fools gladly and hated him with a passion. It was only a matter of time. I don't think he helps himself with his arrogant and smug appearance and defensive manner.
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