The new American investors will begin their tenure by making a huge decision as they look to bring glory back to Ibrox
14:12, 20 Mar 2025
Russell Martin, Kevin Muscat, Steven Gerrard and Barry Ferguson have all been linked with the vacant Gers job
Rangers fans hope that a proposed takeover could be a gamechanger on and off the field, but the incoming 49ers face a critical decision early on. Who to spearhead their revolution.
After a sticky start, interim boss Barry Ferguson enjoyed a dream week that will have boosted his chances of getting the gig on a permanent basis. He outsmarted Jose Mourinho across two legs to dump Fenerbahce out of the Europa League, before following that up with victory over runaway Premiership leaders Celtic at Parkhead - but will the Americans want to put their faith in a rookie boss?
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A host of big names have been linked with the role, from Champions League winners to returning heroes. And names that seem to crop up every time a vacancy arises for a new face in the Ibrox hotseat. Record Sport takes a look at those in the running - and if they could be a good fit.
Barry Ferguson
Pros: The last week couldn’t have been a better job interview with wins against Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers. Ferguson has restored pride to the Ibrox club and knows the standards expected better than anyone. Fans are desperate for him to succeed too.
Cons: Ferguson’s managerial career up until this stage is far from impressive, despite winning the Lowland League title with Kelty Hearts he’s failed at both Alloa Athletic and Clyde. He also lacks experience working in management at a full-time level, and of course there’s the curse of the caretaker.
Rating: If he wins the Europa League he’ll be hard to argue again, but it feels like it could be too soon for Ferguson on a full-time basis. 5/10
Russell Martin
Pros: Would bring an excellent style of play to Ibrox and has impressed in all three of his jobs to date. Knows the club from his loan spell and would have plenty of contacts down south from his playing career for building a squad in his image.
Cons: Hasn’t managed at a club where expectations will be as high as they will be at Rangers, nor has he managed in Europe. Unwillingness to budge on his principles cost him his job at Southampton after a disastrous start to life in the Premier League.
Rating: Martin might not be the big name Rangers fans want, but he could prove a shrewd appointment. Especially in a league where he'll be expected to dominate matches. But would Ibrox have the patience for his possession-heavy style of play? 7/10
Steven Gerrard
Pros: Know what it takes to win the Premiership title as Rangers boss, a feat nobody has managed since his 2021 success. He would drive up standards and his recruitment during his first spell brought the likes of Calvin Bassey, Joe Aribo, Ryan Kent and Glen Kamara to Glasgow.
Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard is seen kissing the trophy during the Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Aberdeen on May 15, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland.
They say never go back, but could Steven Gerrard return?(Image: Getty Images)
Cons: They say never go back, and Rangers fans won't forget the way he ditched the club for Aston Villa. A poor spell in the Midlands and a disastrous stint in Saudi Arabia also won't do much to boost his appeal to some sections of the Rangers support. And fans could also point to winning just one trophy in 2021 as St Johnstone completed a shock double.
Rating: Gerrard will always be held in high esteem at Ibrox for ending Celtic's dreams of 10-in-a-row, but his time in Glasgow was far from perfect. Combine that with two failed stints as a boss since and it's difficult to see it working out a second time around. 3/10
Rafa Benitez
Pros: Hugely experienced at the top level of the game, and has won the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Cup and two La Liga titles. Will have a huge book of contacts and won't be daunted at all by the size of Rangers or the expectations.
Cons: May be viewed as yesterday's man after uninspiring spells with Celta Vigo, Everton and in Chinese football. His style of play might also grate somewhat with the fans at Ibrox. And he hasn't won a top league title for over two decades now. Known for falling out with players during tough times.
Rating: They don't come a lot more experienced that Benitez, and he would certainly be a statement appointment. But his triumphs with Liverpool and Valencia seem a very long time ago now, and it feels like football might've moved on. The Spaniard also turns 65 in April, which could turn away the 49ers if they are looking for a long-term project leader. 6/10
Kevin Muscat
Pros: Has previously shown interest in the job, is a former Rangers player who knows the standards expected and is someone who would never accept second best. An attitude that would go down with the Ibrox support. He'll have learned plenty working under Ange Postecoglou too, and his appointment worked out well on the other side of the city.
Kevin Muscat and Ange Postecoglou the coach of the Victory give instructions during the round 26 A-League match between the Melbounre Victory and the Perth Glory
Kevin Muscat learnt his trade under Ange Postecoglou(Image: Getty Images)
Cons: His only stint managing in Europe, with Belgians Sint-Truiden, was a disaster as Muscat won just two of his 15 matches. Just because he worked under Ange doesn't mean he could bring the same results. And moving from managing in China to the Premiership would be a huge change. There's his fiery temprent too, how would Muscat cope with the pressure of one of the biggest jobs in the country?
Rating: An intriguing possibility with a strong track record and someone most Rangers fans would certainly be prepared to give a chance. But is there a reason he's been overlooked in the past? And would it be too big a gamble for such a critical appointment. 7/10
Derek McInnes
Pros: Knows Scottish football inside out, knows Rangers well and is a fan of the club. And has shown before that he can win trophies domestically during his time with Aberdeen.
Cons: Is Derek McInnes the man to get Ibrox believing again? His only league title wins have been in the second tier at St Johnstone and Kilmarnock. Would be a man with a lot of convincing to do, and Gers fans won't forget that he previously turned them down. Hasn't managed a side near the size of Rangers yet, and dealt with those expectations.
Rating: McInnes would be a safe pair of hands, but could he get the better of Brendan Rodgers in a title fight? The jury is out. And he'd be a man with a lot of work to do to win round Ibrox, especially with his Kilmarnock side failing to pull up trees this season. 5/10
Rino Gattuso
Pros: A former Rangers player, Gattuso knows what's expected at Ibrox and would demand the very highest standards. Has been in charge of nine different clubs and has plenty of managerial experience, a spell at AC Milan comes with similar pressure to the Rangers job. At Napoli he showed he's capable of putting together a strong team, and Rangers fans would love to see a former idol at the helm.
Cons: Has never lasted longer than two years in a role, a volitile figure who could lash out under pressure, managerial statistics so far are a mixed bag and has just one trophy to his name as a boss - the Coppa Italia in 2020.
Rating: It would be box office. But that doesn't necessarily mean it would be a good idea. Gattuso is famed for his hot temper, wild outbursts and patchy managerial record. He'd be great value, but probably isn't what the 49ers are after. 4/10
Jose Mourinho
Pros: One of the greatest managers of all time, has expressed a desire to work in Glasgow, has a proven track record of success at some of the world's biggest clubs and would be an instant statement. Arguably one of the very few appointments that would have Celtic fans worried straight away, and would be totally un-phased by the pressure at Rangers.
Jose Mourinho the head coach / manager of Fenerbahce during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Rangers FC and Fenerbahce
Rangers could try and tempt the Special One to Ibrox(Image: Getty Images)
Cons: Likely to come with a huge price tag. And his appointment is no guarantee of success, as Rangers fans know having watched interim boss Barry Ferguson blow away Mourinho's Fenerbahce in their own back yard.
Rating: Probably the dream appointment for Rangers fans and would be an incredible first statement from the American investors. If he can be tempted then the club should be doing everything in their power to get him in. 10/10
Gareth Southgate
Pros: Superb man management skills and comfortable working under intense media pressure whilst England boss. Would conduct himself in way that would appeal to the US investors and has major international final experience.
Cons: His club management record is poor, and there was a feeling that his England side should've achieved more with the talent they had available. He would be an Old Firm rookie too, and the relentless pressure would be a major test of the 'nice guy' image he nailed whilst in charge of England. Might not be interested in a return to management unless it's in the English top tier.
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Rating: There's no denying that Gareth Southgate did an excellent job with the England national side, albeit the feeling that his side bottled the big occasions would play on the mind of Rangers fans. He's undoubtedly learned plenty since his last club job at Middlesbrough however, and would be another statement appointment. 8/10