‘Rangers set to name new manager with announcement looming’
Rangers’ search for a new manager is coming to an end after 49ers Enterprises completed their takeover of the Ibrox club.
The Bears’ next permanent manager will be tasked with closing the gap between the Light Blues and bitter rivals Celtic.
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Rangers’ new owners will initially make £20million available to their new head coach.
Interim boss Barry Ferguson endured an inconsistent chapter at Ibrox, but enjoyed an Old Firm Derby victory in March.
Russell Martin the leading contender as Rangers close in on appointment
Former Southampton manager Russell Martin has been eyed by the Glasgow giants despite being sacked by the Saints in December.
Reporting on BBC Sport’s live Q&A blog [2 June, 2.26pm], Nick Mashiter revealed: “With new owners and new investment the search for a new Rangers manager is coming to an end.
“The takeover, led by private healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, gives Rangers fresh hope after watching another title win for Celtic.
“Kevin Thelwell has now officially started as the club’s new sporting director and has said he expects to conclude the search in the next few days.
“Russell Martin is a leading contender, while Davide Ancelotti is a strong option, but it has been a fluid situation up until now.
“Myself and Simon Stone revealed over a week ago former Feyenoord boss Brian Priske had also been spoken to.”
Meanwhile, former Gers boss Steven Gerrard rejected an Ibrox return and remains out of work since parting company with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq in January.
Football insider verdict
Rangers should appoint Ancelotti rather than Martin
Although BBC Sport’s Mashiter has reported that Martin is the frontrunner for the managerial vacancy at Ibrox, the Scottish Premiership giants should favour a move for Ancelotti.
| Scottish Premiership table (Top two) | Games played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1 Celtic | 38 | 86 | 92 |
| 2 Rangers | 38 | 39 | 75 |
Rangers have endured a poor season, finishing 17 points behind Celtic in the top flight while also failing to win either the Scottish Cup or League Cup.
The Gers’ domestic struggles this term were epitomised when they were beaten 1-0 at Ibrox by Championship outfit Queen’s Park on 9 February.
After the Bears endured a difficult season, the 49ers must get their first managerial appointment spot on as they look to instill confidence among the fanbase.
With that in mind, the American ownership group should be wary of appointing Martin, whose poor exploits in the Premier League for Southampton are not an ideal endorsement of his ability.
Meanwhile, even though Ancelotti has not yet been a manager in his own right, the fact that he has performed well as an assistant to his father Carlo for the likes of Real Madrid is testament to his coaching ability.
Elsewhere, Ibrox News have exclusively revealed that Jordan Henderson would pass his medical if he moves to Rangers after leaving Ajax.