The Ultimate Guide to Rangers Manager Search: Unveiling the Top Contenders to Replace Michael Beale
Rangers are actively searching for a replacement for sacked manager Michael Beale Candidates such as Kevin Muscat, Philippe Clement, Oliver Glasner, and Pascal Jansen are being considered, while John Eustace and Scott Parker are not in the running Final discussions with potential hires are currently taking place Stay tuned for more updates
The Rangers club is currently conducting final interviews in London this week to select a new manager. CEO James Bisgrove and chairman John Bennett are spearheading the search for a successor to Michael Beale, who was dismissed last Sunday following the team's loss to Aberdeen.
Among the potential candidates for the position, former Gers defender Kevin Muscat and ex-Club Brugge, Genk, and Monaco boss Philippe Clement stand out. Additionally, there have been rumors linking former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner to the position. Pascal Jansen's name has also been considered, although it has been suggested that he may find it difficult to leave AZ Alkmaar as they currently trail Eredivisie leaders PSV by just two points following an impressive start to the season.
Muscat, who had a stint at Ibrox from 2002-03, achieved glory by winning the A-League title as the head coach of Melbourne Victory. At his current club Yokohama F Marinos, Muscat also secured the J-League title, with only four games left in the ongoing season.
On the other hand, Clement earned three consecutive Belgian Pro League titles before facing a challenging period at Monaco. Currently, he is without a club, just like Glasner, who guided Eintracht Frankfurt to victory in the Europa League over Rangers in 2022.
Parker and Eustace not in the mix
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John Eustace has been sacked by Birmingham after 15 months in charge
John Eustace quickly emerged as a favorite among bookmakers following his dismissal from Birmingham City. However, it is unclear whether he and Scott Parker, who have both been mentioned for the position, are included in the final shortlist. Last Friday, News reported that former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, despite being a top contender according to bookmakers, would not be part of the final interview shortlist.
As reported, the likes of Ryan Lowe, Billy Davies and Graham Potter are also not in the mix.
When could a new manager be named?
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Rangers CEO James Bisgrove, together with chairman John Bennett and senior executives, is currently collaborating on the search for a new manager. Over the past few months, the club has been narrowing down a comprehensive list of candidates as part of their succession planning.
A new manager is expected to be announced this week, although the possibility remains that the process could carry on until next week. The club is prioritizing finding the right long-term appointment instead of rushing the decision. Rangers' players are scheduled to resume training next week in preparation for their match against Hibernian at Ibrox on October 21.
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Steven Davis is currently heading an interim management team at Rangers, which includes former players Steven Smith and Alex Rae, as well as Brian Gilmour and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart.
Boyd: Rangers need new manager now
The club is on the lookout for its fourth manager within a span of two years. This comes after Steven Gerrard's departure to Aston Villa in 2021, and the subsequent dismissals of Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Beale.Rangers' 3-0 victory against St Mirren prompted former Gers striker Kris Boyd to express the need for immediate action. Boyd emphasized the importance of bringing in managerial reinforcements without delay, considering the two-week hiatus, and allowing sufficient time for the new staff to collaborate with the players.
Steven Davis will not be the football club's manager, but Rangers must seek someone from within the club who can seamlessly step into a role without the need for a complete overhaul when the next manager arrives. It can be challenging for Steven Davis to be suddenly thrown into the position. Therefore, it is crucial for Rangers to have someone within the upcoming management team who serves as the club's representative and can fulfill this requirement.
"It won't be a straightforward task you're stepping into. I don't see many valuable players to move on and recover funds to acquire their own players.
"You require someone who can stabilize the situation while simultaneously driving improvements."
Club should constantly be searching for the next manager as soon as they appoint one. Whether the results are favorable or not, it's inevitable that a manager will either be lost due to poor performance or lured away by a larger club. This is just the reality of the football industry.
"You should always be planning for the future."
'Expectation is bigger than I have ever seen'
When considering the enormity of the club, it is highly likely that prominent individuals and notable figures will instruct their agents to contact the Rangers board in order to secure an opportunity to present themselves as potential candidates for the next position.
"I hesitate to mention specific individuals as it might create doubt. However, I can confidently state that this role is highly esteemed and represents the pinnacle of success. It is associated with a renowned club, offering an exceptional chance to secure prestigious accolades.
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The level of expectation and demand exceeds anything I have witnessed before. I firmly believe the club is excellently positioned, boasting several enticing features. Not only do they have an approaching cup semi-final, but they also have the Scottish Cup to compete in and their European journey continues.
The potential for success is undeniable. This exceptional club, accompanied by passionate fans, maintains a strong desire to clinch trophies and compete at the highest level, openly showcasing their ambitions.
Rangers' next five fixtures
October 21: Hibernian (h), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 3pmIt would be quite disheartening if the club did not have a multitude of prominent individuals as potential candidates, enabling them to select who they believe is the most suitable contender.
October 26: Sparta Prague (a), Europa League, kick-off 5.45pm
October 29: Hearts (h), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 3pm
November 1: Dundee (a), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 7.45pm
November 5: Hearts (n), League Cup semi-final, 3pm
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