Liam Duckstein
Rangers target five candidates as search for new head coach begins
Rangers are believed to be lining up five main candidates as they hunt for a replacement for Russell Martin, with talks under way and several high-profile names linked to the Ibrox job.
Who’s on the shortlist
Mark van Bommel is among those said to be interested. Van Bommel, who guided Royal Antwerp to the Belgian title in 2023, was reportedly contacted about the role before Martin’s appointment and would be open to a return to Scottish football, according to sources.
Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard features prominently in the speculation. Reports say Gerrard has resisted approaches from a number of clubs recently and has serious reservations about the current squad that would have to be addressed before any return to Ibrox. At the same time one outlet claims Gerrard would “jump at the chance” to go back, aware of the limited options available to him in the major leagues.
Sean Dyche, the former Burnley and Everton boss, is also on the list. A close friend, Tim Sherwood, has suggested Dyche would consider the job if given time and if he believed the club could be “winners”. Danny Rohl, recently departed Sheffield Wednesday, and Kevin Muscat, who manages Chinese champions Shanghai Port, complete the group of reported contenders.
Board moves and the recruitment process
Rangers convened an emergency board meeting on Monday afternoon to kick off the search. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell, chief executive Patrick Stewart, owner Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe were all involved in the discussions as the club maps out its next steps.
To buy time in the managerial hunt the club has given the first‑team squad the majority of this week off.
Views from around the club and former players
Former chairman Dave King has publicly backed the idea of bringing Gerrard back, saying the title‑winning manager has “unfinished business at Ibrox”. Jermain Defoe, now qualified as a coach, has told reporters he would welcome the chance to return. Barry Ferguson, asked about a possible comeback, said:
“I’m back doing my ambassador role, I’m back on the radio, I do my column too, so my life is good at this moment in time.”
Steven Naismith remains keen on returning to management despite his disappointment at the treatment of Russell Martin during his spell at Ibrox.
Wider Scottish and transfer snippets
Bookmakers have already shortened the odds on Russell Martin for the Luton Town job after his dismissal. Aberdeen, meanwhile, have spoken with Lutz Pfannenstiel about their director of football position; he tops a three‑man shortlist but the club plans to interview two other candidates before deciding.
On the move front, Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn has held talks with Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou about a potential January exit after expressing frustration that the first‑team football he was promised has yet to materialise.