Paraag Marathe has a template for a revolution and it comes without restrictions as Ibrox gets set for major change
09:29, 20 May 2025Updated 09:30, 20 May 2025
Paraag Marathe has a plan for Rangers
The new owners of Rangers will give the next Ibrox boss "every penny" they can put together if they stick with the vow pledged to Leeds United manager Daniel Farke ahead of their assault on the Premier League.
49ers supremo Paraag Marathe – working with Andrew Cavenagh to complete their Ibrox takeover – hopped from Glasgow to Yorkshire to revel in a title part last week and told the German no money would be kept from him in his bid to ensure Leeds would be given a fighting chance to avoid an instant return to the Championship.
And it comes with Rangers expected to appoint their next boss this week with Steven Gerrard, Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti all with backers at Ibrox.
Marathe will not hold anything back and teed up a similar guarantee for the man who takes the reins at Ibrox. Speaking in the wake of Leeds' return to the top flight, the beaming 47-year-old said: “I have ended the speculation. He is my man [Farke]. I’m really excited about collaborating with Daniel, with Robbie Evans, who we promoted to managing director, with Adam Underwood, who we promoted to sporting director, and together, we are going to build the best squad that we can with every penny that we’re allowed to spend to go and compete in the Premier League.”
And if it's clues Rangers fans are looking for over the make-up of their next boss then Farke's experience in the Championship proved pivotal when he landed the Elland Road job ahead of a raft of other candidates.
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard
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The 49ers big fish was in a similar boat two years, awaiting approval from the EFL to rubber-stamp his Leeds takeover, and he made clear experience was a deciding factor.
Marathe said: "After a thorough recruitment process, we are excited to confirm Daniel’s appointment as our first team manager.
"His record in the Championship is clear, and I am impressed by his leadership and plan to guide us back to the Premier League."
That proved sage thinking as Farke delivered at the second attempt. It was a popular decision at the time and has stood the test of time over the past two years.
BBC Leeds editor Jonny Buchan said: "I got a little bit worried the 49ers might have been dazzled by Patrick Vieira - his links with being in the MLS before and obviously he's just a bigger name in football in general.
"I think the fact they've gone down this path instead shows they've looked at it from a more reasoned view and gone: 'A guy who's won promotion twice from the league we're going to be in is probably a better bet than the name of Patrick Vieira.
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"That shows sensible decision-making."
But will the safe approach continue at Ibrox, and one can ask, what does safe look like?
We are about to find out.