Rangers have been forced to shift their focus to finding a replacement manager after Steven Gerrard withdrew from the race to become their new manager. The former Ibrox manager held promising talks with club bosses in London over the weekend about a sensational return to Glasgow.
However, Gerrard decided the timing was not right to step into Russell Martin’s shoes and the 45-year-old is now out of contention. Rangers bosses have been informed that the Liverpool legend has withdrawn from the process and is now negotiating with other candidates.
According to the Daily Record, German manager Danny Rohr has emerged as the new favorite to win the title after impressing Ibrox bosses during initial negotiations.
Former Chelsea and West Ham manager Graham Potter and former Wolves manager Gary O’Neill have also been approached.
But Mr. Rohr is leading the way in that field.
The 36-year-old previously worked as assistant manager at Bayern Munich, Southampton and the German national team before taking over as Hillsborough manager for two years.
He left the club in crisis this summer and is seeking a return to management.
Potter came to the attention of Rangers following a short spell at West Ham, which ended in September after just nine months.
Gerth is considering the former Swansea and Brighton head coach but is unlikely to accept the role at Ibrox.
Former Bournemouth and Wolves manager O’Neill has been unemployed since being sacked by Molineux in December last year.
Rangers are considering other options after sacking Martin last weekend, with Ibrox currently sitting eighth in the Scottish Premiership.
Die-hard Rangers supporters were hoping for a thrilling return from Gerrard in charge when he agreed to talks with the club in recent days.
The England legend, who led the team to their 55th title four years ago, left for Aston Villa but is keen to return to management after leaving Saudi club Al Etifaq.
However, despite productive conversations with Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and Parag Malate, this will not happen.
It is understood that Gerrard has appreciated the support he has received from Rangers fans as Martin’s successor and has not ruled out the possibility of managing the club again in the future.
But for now, the task now falls on the club’s top brass to secure a new manager ahead of Saturday’s Premiership game at home to Dundee United.
Mr Roll is the frontrunner, but other candidates are expected to be approached within the next 48 hours.
