Ferguson, Gerrard, Dyche, McInnes: ’49ers to appoint shock Rangers manager’
Rangers are working hard to identify a new manager to replace Philippe Clement after the boss was sacked from his role at Ibrox on 23 February.
Clement was dismissed following a 2-0 defeat to St Mirren after months of pressure and speculation, while they were also knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Queens Park.
As a result, the search for a new boss has already begun behind the scenes, and Barry Ferguson has been appointed as the interim manager until the end of the season.
The likes of Steven Gerrard, Sean Dyche, Derek McInnes, Russell Martin and Steven Davies have all been linked with the role in recent weeks.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in January that McInnes and Martin are on Rangers’ shortlist alongside Steve Cooper and Kevin Muscat.
Former Sir Alex Ferguson number two Mick Brown told Football Insider that Gerrard is open to a return to Rangers and remains a top candidate.
However, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told Football Insider that none of those names stand out, and Rangers have the pull to appoint a “top, big-name boss”.
Rangers next manager decision to be made by 49ers Enterprises
Football Insider revealed that prospective new owners 49ers Enterprises will play a key role in Rangers’ next manager appointment and are working with the club in the background.
However, they are keen to take their time over the appointment to ensure they land the right man for the job, similar to what they did at Leeds with Daniel Farke.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson explained that there are concerns about the current candidates, and a surprise option could emerge as a contender for the role in the summer.
“I don’t think they’re looking long-term for Barry Ferguson,” he told Football Insider.
“But listen, if he’s on the open top bus parade going around Glasgow with the Europa League trophy in his hand, it’s going to be hard not to give him it.
“I’d be wary of going back to Steven Gerrard.
“When you look at it, they had that one season during Covid when they won the league.
“The other names on the list, there’s nothing that really jumps out.
“Russell Martin, if I was a Rangers fan I wouldn’t be thinking I want him to come in.
“He plays a brand of football that that squad at Rangers at the moment wouldn’t be able to play – maybe he’s one for further down the line.
“Barry Ferguson obviously is in the running, so is Derek McInnes.
“Sean Dyche, I don’t think the fans would take to his style of football, but he would definitely get results.
“Steven Davies has even got a mention, but for me, a club like Rangers should be able to attract a big top-name manager.
“Especially with the 49ers going in the direction they want to go, they’ll want a certain manager who players in a certain way.”
Sean Dyche to make Ibrox decision after Everton twist
Dyche has been one of the names on Rangers’ shortlist given his availability without a compensation fee given his departure from Everton at the beginning of January.
As work continued behind the scenes, Rangers will eventually reach out to potential candidates to weigh up whether they would be interested in taking the job at Ibrox.
Football Insider revealed on 27 February that Dyche will make a decision about the Rangers job after holding initial talks with the club.
However, it will depend on whether he is ready to return to the game and a stressful environment at Ibrox so soon after leaving a tense atmosphere at Everton.
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