Stephen Gerrard was able to return to Rangers (Image: Getty Images)
The Rangers Chief finally pulled out the plug in Russell Martin’s experiment following a devastating campaign so far. The deadlock against Falkirk became the final straw in the club’s hierarchy, due to uncertainty from supporters who needed police protection for Martin’s exit from the ground.
The English manager left Ibrox with a lonely league victory this semester, and the club is tired of being eighth position at the Scottish premiership table. But which candidates are being promoted to replace Martin? Express Sports sees some of the names advertised by bookmakers…
Danny Roll
The German tactician emerged as an unexpected candidate for the Rangers position before Martin secured an appointment from the 49ers. Departing Sheffield on Wednesday during the summer, he is now leading the bet to claim the vacant seats.
The 35-year-old has already outlined his ambitions for his next opportunity, the route to elite football.
Kevin Muscat
Shanghai Port boss Kevin Muscat remains fresh in the thoughts of his supporters before Michael Beale loses to Philip Clement when he faces the x.
Nevertheless, if the Australians revive the pursuit by competing for another Chinese Super League crown, it may prove to be a difficult proposition for the 49ers.
However, his deal is over and only three supplies remain in the season, so the opportunity may appear. Last year, Allie Craig Moore declared that “timing” was not right for her boss to move to Glasgow, but is that the case now?
Danny Roll is available if the Rangers want to appoint him (Image: Getty)
Stephen Gerrard
The Liverpool legend continues to be the last manager to deliver silverware to Govan, but has endured fierce spells since leaving Rangers. He led the club to an invincible league victory and a maiden crown over a decade during the 2020/2021 campaign before departing for Aston Villa.
He survived in just 11 months in the Premier League hot seat, and his bid to revive his management career in the Saudi Arab League fell apart after leaving Al-Ettifaq.
Speaking to Graeme Soons after his firing at Villa Park, the legend of Ibrox revealed that if his relationship with his loyal person was repaired, a comeback could be realized.
He told Talksport in 2022: And he said he gave it a little time and I’ll come back if anything interesting to him comes. And earlier this year, the manager was photographed by supporters representing his “f**** Love” for the club.
Shawn Dish
The experienced British have been unemployed ever since leaving Everton in January, and was turned over as an early favourite to take over Martin if he faces the x.
Ally McCoist has defended his peers to that position, but Dyche confessed last week that he was in a hurry to decide on his next move. “Call yourself a fan,” he said, speaking to the podcast: “You know, that’s a weird thing about football management. Work comes and gets you.
“You don’t just ring the club and say, ‘Is there a danger?’ I hope the timing is right and they come and do it and see if we’re getting it.
Could sports director Kevin Selwell be using his Everton link to seduce him with Gaffer?
Sean Dish has no work now (Image: Getty)
Barry Ferguson
Following his caretaker stint last season, Barry Ferguson has stood out in Ibrox discussions. The former midfielder was open about his ambition to secure a role full-time, but he claims this time he will only accept a permanent appointment.
He said: “You know what the club means to me, but at the end of the day, I’m not just doing work for someone else and doing it to get it off you.
Davide Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti’s son reached the latter stage of the summer recruitment process before Andrew Cavena and the 49ers Enterprise chose to lead Martin to the front of a new chapter.
That gambling now backfires epic, so Ancelotti finds himself under intense scrutiny at Botafogo. Following last week’s international defeat, the Italian insisted that he would not resign from his position. “There are still a lot of games and we’re still in the fight. It’s a tight league. So you can’t win over 100% to win to win every game. You can’t give 100% to anyone.
Michael Carrick
Despite leaving Middlesboro after a three-year stint in July, Michael Carrick remains a highly respected coach.
But he may not be eager to return to the dugout yet – he just acquired a new role last week as UEFA’s technical observer.
Barry Ferguson was tilted to return to Ibrox (Image: Getty)
Derek McKins
Does it really happen?
Derek McKins, who left Kilmarnock in the summer and then led Hart to the top of the Premiership, turned down a job at Aberdeen in 2017, but did he get shaking this time?
It would be a monumental decision for rangers, managers and Harts who have an unexpected title challenge on the Golsey horizon.
Gary O’Neill
Unemployed Gary O’Neill is “hopeless” to return to management, and his friend Carlton Cole suggests that the move to the Rangers could be an ideal match.
The 42-year-old has lost his job since departing Wolves during a Premier League relegation fight in December 2024.
O’Neill, who previously managed Bournemouth for seven months, has been named by the bookmaker as a surprise candidate to take over from Ibrox’s Russell Martin.
Rafa Benitez
Unemployed, Rafa Benitez is touted as a potential successor to the Rangers’ Russell Martin, and was previously linked to the role of Ibrox.
The 65-year-old hasn’t ruled out another European football stint just last month.
“It’s true, I’m especially in the UK and Europe. I don’t want people to think I’m done. I’m still evolving.”
