‘Rangers to appoint big-name manager who’s not currently on the shortlist’
Rangers are continuing to weigh up their options for a permanent successor to Philippe Clement after his dismissal last month.
Clement was sacked as Rangers boss following a 2-0 defeat to St Mirren, having fallen 13 points behind Celtic at the time of his dismissal, while they were also eliminated from the Scottish Cup.
Barry Ferguson has been appointed as the interim boss until the end of the season, and has now overseen a 4-2 win against Kilmarnock and a 2-1 defeat to Motherwell.
Football Insider revealed in January that Steve Cooper, Russell Martin, Derek McInnes and Kevin Muscat were all on the club’s list of potential options.
Since then, Sean Dyche has also been linked to the role, while Steven Gerrard would be open to a return to Rangers after leaving his position at Al-Ettifaq.
However, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has now told Football Insider that he expects to see the appointment of a “big-name” boss who has not previously been mentioned.
The anticipated takeover of Rangers by 49ers Enterprises is expected to have a significant effect on the final decision, given the impact on the club’s financial situation.
49ers Enterprises eye big-name Rangers manager deal
Football Insider revealed on 28 February that Gerrard would be Rangers’ “dream appointment”, but they are expected to take their time over a decision.
Robinson echoed that a decision is unlikely to be made quickly, and 49ers Enterprises are expected to be working on a potential appointment behind the scenes.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he explained that the next manager is not a name currently on their shortlist, with due-diligence being carried out before any appointment takes place.
“I don’t think it will be one that’s on their shortlist yet,” he told Football Insider.
“I’m not going to give a name because I don’t think he’s been mentioned.
“Barry Ferguson gets the job, for me, if he wins the Europa League.
“That’s the only way he gets that job, although I think he will be integrated as part of the staff going forward.
“But I don’t think the next Rangers manager has been mentioned yet.
“I think that 49ers Enterprises will come in, they’ll do their due diligence, and I think that a different financial situation makes this a different job to offer somebody.
“I can see a big-name manager going in there – not one that’s already on their list.”
49ers Enterprises to make next manager decision at Ibrox
Rangers’ difficult financial position and lack of room for investment has previously been cited as a major reason for the poor on-field results in recent years.
News of a potential takeover by Leeds United part-owners 49ers Enterprises has come as a major boost in recent weeks, and is expected to make a significant difference behind the scenes.
Now, the prospective new owners are expected to play a big role behind the scenes, as Football Insider revealed on 25 February that 49ers Enterprises will deiced the next Rangers manager.
They are believed to want to have their own man in charge following an eventual takeover given the amount of money they are planning to invest into the club.
For more Rangers and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.