Rangers manager search: Philippe Clement, Kevin Muscat in final talks to replace Michael Beale

Rangers are holding further talks with Philippe Clement and Kevin Muscat as the club look to appoint a new manager.

CEO James Bisgrove and chairman John Bennett held in-depth talks with various candidates in London this week to find Michael Beale’s successor following the 43-year-old’s dismissal almost two weeks ago.

Sky Sports News It appears those discussions will continue this weekend before a final decision is presented to the Rangers board to approve an appointment.

Former Club Brugge, Genk and Monaco boss Clément won three consecutive Belgian Pro League titles before a short spell at Monaco and is now a free agent – but has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Muscat – who won a domestic treble as a player at Ibrox in 2003 – has also impressed as a coach, winning the A-League title when in charge of Melbourne Victory and winning the League crown. J-League to current club Yokohama F. Marinos.

When could a new manager be appointed?

Rangers have whittled down a lengthy shortlist that had been in place for months, as part of the club’s succession planning process.

While it is believed that Clement or Muscat could be in the dugout for Hibernian’s visit on October 21, Sky Sports News understands that no specific timetable has been set for the appointment of a new boss, with the club focusing on the correct appointment in the long term.

Steven Davis currently leads an interim management team, alongside former players Steven Smith and Alex Rae, as well as Brian Gilmour and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart.

The club is looking for a fourth different manager within two years, following the transfer of Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa in 2021, and the sackings of Giovanni van Bronckhorst then Beale.

Boyd: Rangers need new manager now

Speaking on Sky Sports after Rangers’ 3-0 win at St Mirren, former Gers striker Kris Boyd said:

“Rangers need someone now. Yes, there was a reaction today, but there is now a two-week break and Rangers need to find someone as soon as possible to give them time to work with the players.

“Steven Davis won’t be the manager of the football club, but Rangers need to find someone in that environment where if the next manager comes and goes it’s not a problem. entire again and there is no one left at the club who can simply play a role.

“It’s been forced on Steven Davis, it can be difficult to just add in. Rangers need to have someone who is the club’s man in the next management team, to be able to do that if necessary.

“It’s not going to be an easy job that you get into. I don’t see much there in terms of valuable players to go to to recoup some money and try to acquire their own players.

“You’re looking for someone to come and steady the ship but, at the same time, they need to start improving.

“I always think that as soon as a club appoints their manager, they should look for the next one.

“If the results don’t go well, you’re going to lose your manager, and if the results go well, you’re going to lose your manager to a bigger club. That’s just the nature of football.

“You should always plan for the future.”

Rangers’ next five matches

21st of October : Hibernian (h), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 3pm

October 26: Sparta Prague (a), Europa League, kick-off at 5:45 p.m.

October 29: Hearts (h), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 3pm

November, 1st: Dundee (a), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 7:45 p.m.

November 5: Hearts (n), League Cup semi-final, 3 p.m.

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