Russell Martin was spotted enjoying a freshwater dip in Scotland’s Loch Lomond on Monday just hours after being sacked as Rangers manager.
The Englishman, 39, was dismissed by club chiefs on Sunday evening after a disastrous reign in Glasgow which lasted a mere seven league games.
Martin had been widely unpopular with Gers fans during his tenure. After his final game in charge of the club on Sunday, such were the levels of anger amongst supporters that the former Southampton boss had to be escorted away from The Falkirk Stadium by police.
Rangers bosses pulled the plug on his disastrous tenure just hours later. But it seems for Martin that decision may have come as a relief, as he was spotted enjoying a stress-free day out with his model girlfriend Lucy Pinder less than 24 hours on from his sacking.
Scots were left ‘stunned’ to see the couple braving the cold waters of Loch Lomond – around 30 miles from Glasgow – on Monday with Martin appearing in great spirits, according to on-lookers.
One told the Daily Record: ‘I couldn’t believe it was him having a wee dip in Luss so soon after he was fired. He seemed quite happy, upbeat and chipper.
Russell Martin was sacked as Rangers boss on Sunday – and has been straight off for a break in Loch Lomond with his model girlfriend Lucy Pinder
He was spotted enjoying a freshwater dip at Loch Lomond less than 24 hours after being dismissed
Onlookers said Martin appeared in great spirits as he and his girlfriend Lucy enjoyed a ‘romantic’ day out together
‘He doesn’t look too despondent considering what’s happened over the last few days. It was a bit of a manky afternoon. He turned up early and went for a wee walk along the village and into the shop.
‘He was with his girlfriend and it looked like a romantic afternoon. They were sitting on the benches looking across the loch at one point. She was touching his nose and they were cuddling a lot.
‘When he left he headed down to the Hot Tottie sauna and waited for his slot, which was about 1pm.
‘He went under the radar. I’m sure one or two people clocked him but it’s mainly tourists around there so it was probably an ideal day out for him.’
It’s indeed not Martin’s first trip to Loch Lomond since making the move to the blue side of Glasgow.
It emerged last month that he had taken his Gers squad to the lake for a team-bonding exercise ahead of their season opener against Motherwell, a fixture which they drew 1-1.
Martin went on to win just one of his seven league games in charge of the club, as well as losing both of his Europa League matches at the helm.
His side’s dire form drew frustration from Rangers supporters, who formed a blockade after the draw at Falkirk on Sunday to block the team bus from the leaving the car park.
After his final game in charge of the club on Sunday, the 39-year-old had to be escorted away from The Falkirk Stadium by police
Lucy Pinder rose to fame in the mid-2000s by being one of Britain’s favourite glamour models
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh signed off a decision to remove the boss from his post later in the day, with an official confirmation statement reading: ‘Rangers Football Club confirms that it has parted company with head coach Russell Martin.
‘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 Willamson 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.’
The current favourite to take over from Martin at Ibrox is Steven Gerrard in a move which would see him return to the club four years after departing.
During his first stint in Glasgow, the Scouser led the club to the Scottish Premiership title.
Rangers chiefs will likely be looking to have a new manager appointed by the end of the international break, with their next fixture coming on Saturday 18 October against Dundee United at home.
