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Russell Martin has been sacked as Rangers head coach after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk left them in the bottom half of the William Hill Premiership.

Martin has only presided over one victory in seven league games in charge and needed mounted police to help escort him out of the Falkirk Stadium car park as Rangers fans vented their anger.

A club statement read: “Rangers Football Club confirms that it has parted company with head coach Russell Martin.

Police officers look on as Rangers fans try to stop the Rangers team bus leaving the Falkirk Stadium car park
Rangers fans tried to stop the Rangers team bus leaving the Falkirk Stadium car park (Andrew Milligan/PA)

“While all transition periods require some time, results have not met the club’s expectations.”

Martin had come under increasing pressure with fans demanding his exit even after they sealed a late win at Livingston the previous weekend.

Supporters again turned their ire on the former Scotland international after striker Bojan Miovski opened the scoring at Falkirk and there were repeated chants against him after Henry Cartwright deservedly levelled for the Bairns.

While Martin was escorted to the car park by security staff and then mounted police led a car out of the ground, supporters surrounded the team bus.

Police officers look on as Rangers fans are sat in the car park
Rangers fans launched a sit-down protest to prevent the team bus departing (Andrew Milligan/PA)

The draw left Rangers in eighth place in the Premiership table, 11 points behind leaders Hearts.

The former Milton Keynes Dons, Swansea and Southampton manager secured just five wins in 17 games overall and Rangers have lost their opening two Europa League games after failing to make the Champions League.

Martin has left Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals though with a Hampden derby with Celtic to come on November 2.

The 39-year-old took responsibility for their overall predicament after Sunday’s game.

When asked if the players were giving him enough, he said: “They’re giving us everything they’ve got. I think they’re really trying. So I have to take responsibility for it, not them.

Rangers fans display a banner calling for Martin's exit
Rangers fans display a banner calling for Martin’s exit at the Falkirk Stadium (Andrew Milligan/PA)

“There’s been some really honest discussions with them in the dressing room, some frustration with them and each other, but ultimately I’m the one in charge of the team, so I have to accept responsibility.”

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 added. “We thank them for their efforts and wish them well for the future.

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

Russell Martin at Ibrox on his first day in charge
Russell Martin was appointed on June 5 (Steve Welsh/PA)

Martin was appointed exactly four months ago after a lengthy recruitment process which followed Philippe Clement’s sacking in February.

Former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson took interim charge in the final months of the season as part of a management team involving former team-mates Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor.

Martin’s appointment came after a takeover by an American consortium that involves 49ers Enterprises and the new regime, plus chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell will now face major pressure to get the next appointment right.