Rangers next manager: ’49ers to make final call after behind the scenes talks’
Rangers’ prospective new owners 49ers Enterprises are set to make the final call about a replacement for Philippe Clement after his exit from Ibrox.
That is according to former Man United chief scout and former Sir Alex Ferguson number two Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the new owners want to have their own man in charge.
Clement was sacked by Rangers in the wake of a 2-0 defeat to St Mirren, while they remain 13 points behind Celtic in the SPFL and are out of the Scottish Cup.
Former Gers midfielder Barry Ferguson has taken over on an interim basis until the end of the season, when the club will aim to find a new long-term replacement.
However, Brown explained that work on Clement’s potential permanent successor has already begun behind the scenes, with 49ers Enterprises playing a key role.
The American consortium, who also own part of Championship side Leeds United, are believed to be closing in on a takeover at Rangers which could be sealed in six weeks.
Talks are being held internally to identify potential replacements, who will then be contacted by the club to establish whether they would be interested in the job.
Rangers working to agree deal for Philippe Clement replacement
Brown told Football Insider that Steven Gerrard would be open to a return to Rangers and has retained strong relationships in Glasgow since his departure in 2021.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience working closely with elite managers including the likes of Ferguson and Ron Atkinson at Man United, has insisted that it will be crucial for Rangers to find the right man rather than rushing into an agreement.
“Rangers need to find the right manager for their situation,” he told Football Insider.
“There’s no point rushing in, they’re going to be working hard behind the scenes to identify the right one.
“Ultimately, it’s the current board and owners who will be making the decisions, but I don’t doubt they’ll be talking to the potential buyers about the situation.
“They’ll certainly want to have their say on who the new manager is if they’re going to be putting their money into the club.
“And they’re going to want their man in charge because that helps smooth the whole process.
“Rangers will work with them to find the right man for the job, they’ll draft a shortlist and contact them to see whether they’re interested.
“Because they can target who they want, but if who they want isn’t interested, it’s a non-starter.
“But then once they’ve established a list of candidates who would be up for taking the job, they can all move forward from there.”
49ers Enterprises: Significant update on Ibrox takeover talks
The potential takeover of an American consortium backed by 49ers Enterprises has come as positive news to many amid long-lasting calls for a change of ownership at Rangers.
However, former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson has told Football Insider that the Rangers takeover deal is still in its early stages as things stand.
He explained that the club have not yet made a takeover disclosure – something they are obligated to do once a concrete bid arrives.
All parties are believed to be working towards a deal, and negotiations have taken place behind the scenes, but Rangers have obligations to keep the outside world informed.
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