Charlie Grace

Fri 26 September 2025 12:15, UK

Rangers fell to their fifth defeat of the season last night, losing 1-0 to Belgian side Genk in the Europa League.

Genk beat Rangers 1-0 thanks to a goal from former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-Gyu following Mohammed Diomande’s first-half red card.

Martin was criticised against Genk by the Ibrox faithful for the decisions he made following Diomande’s red card, handing the game to the visitors.

Rangers have targets lined up to replace Martin, according to reports, as the club’s dismal start to the season continues.

Steven Gerrard return to Rangers mooted

The names on Rangers’ shortlist include the likes of former Everton and Burnley head coach Sean Dyche, who knows sporting director Kevin Thelwell from their time together at the Toffees.

However, it’s former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard who has been tipped to take over from Martin by talkSPORT’s Scottish football expert David Tanner.

Tanner spoke after Rangers’ defeat to Genk, saying: “I don’t think they can go back to Barry Ferguson, I’d be very surprised. There’s a feeling amongst supporters that Steven Gerrard would be welcomed back.

“I think it’s worth remembering, particularly on European nights, how much rebuilding Gerrard did; he was starting from zero after the shambles of Rangers’ lower league seasons. So I think the supporters would welcome him back.”

Gerrard, who won the Scottish Premiership in 2021 with Rangers, is adored at Ibrox and has a fan in former Rangers forward Ally McCoist.

McCoist, speaking after Rangers won the league, said via TalkSPORT: “But, in all seriousness, I have got to say a tremendous job by Steven and Gary and Michael and indeed most of all the players. It has been a truly remarkable season when you look at the stats, lads.

Rangers enter favourable run of fixtures as Russell Martin sack looms

After Rangers’ poor start, no fixture looks favourable for the Glasgow side, who currently occupy the last relegation place in the Scottish Premiership.

However, on paper, Rangers should be in pole position to grab at least 13 points from their upcoming league and Europa League fixtures.

A meeting with new boys, Livingstone awaits on Saturday before fixtures against the other promoted side, Falkirk, and Dundee United follow in the league.

In the Europa League, Rangers will take back-to-back away visits to Sturm Graz of Austria and Brann of Norway in a mission to get their European campaign back on track.

It is likely Martin will be able to take charge of the Livingstone match, but anything other than a win may see the former Southampton man out of a job before Rangers board their flight to Austria.