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. Following his final game in charge of the club last weekend, 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 dismal spell 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 a day on from his sacking.
Scots were left ‘stunned’ to see the couple braving the cold waters of Loch Lomond – around 30 miles from Glasgow – 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.
‘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.’
Martin, 39, and Pinder, 41, confirmed their relationship a little over a year ago with a loved-up photo on Instagram.
The couple are thought to have met during the former footballer’s time in charge of Southampton, the very club who former glamour model Pinder supports.
They were said to be ‘smitten’ at the time and it’s thought Pinder moved up to Glasgow with her new flame when he bagged the Rangers job.
‘They’re a match made in heaven,’ a source said, ‘they’re mad for each other.’
Martin’s romantic getaway to Loch Lomond is however not his first trip to the lake since moving to Scotland.
It emerged last month that he had taken his Gers squad to the countryside 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.
Rangers’ dire form drew frustration from supporters, who formed a blockade after the draw at Falkirk on Sunday to block the team bus from the leaving the car park.
After a sit-down protest, the crowd were eventually dispersed by police using batons to ensure Martin and his team’s safety.
Police on horseback then helped clear a path towards the car park exit as fans shouted at the manager while he was driven away.
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh signed off a decision to remove Martin 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 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.
