Frank Lampard, Yokohama F Marinos manager Kevin Muscat and ex-Monaco boss Philippe Clement are among the names believed to be under consideration in Rangers’ search for Michael Beale’s replacement.
Sky Sports News understands that several other options are also being analyzed by the Gers board, who are working on a developing shortlist that has been in place for several months as part of the club’s succession planning process.
Former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner, Bodo Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen and AZ Alkmaar’s Pascal Jansen have also been reportedly linked with the job.
However, one source in the Netherlands has suggested that a move for Jansen would be unlikely as the Netherlands sit second in the Eredivisie.
Chief executive James Bisgrove – who missed Rangers’ Europa League defeat in Cyprus to work on the search – has made initial contact with some candidates following Beale’s dismissal.
However, suggestions that the talks are entering the final round of negotiations are untrue. The club would focus on assessing all options to be a good fit for the job in the long term, rather than rushing an appointment.
Rangers visit second-placed St Mirren, unbeaten in the Scottish Premier League, on Sunday. live on Sky Sports before the international break.
The club is looking for a fourth different manager in two years, following Steven Gerrard’s move to Aston Villa in 2021 and the dismissals of Van Bronckhorst and then Beale in the years since.
Steven Davis is currently leading an interim management team, alongside former players Steven Smith and Alex Rae, plus Brian Gilmour and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart.
‘It costs a lot to manage Rangers’
Sky Sports Kris Boyd says it is vital the board gets the next appointment right, with future recruitment key to any success:
“The recruitment hasn’t been good enough, it hasn’t been good enough for a number of years and that side needs to improve.
“They’ve been everywhere at times and it seems like everything has gotten out of hand, hoping that individuals would do something, but they haven’t.
“They spent around €14m this summer and I don’t think there’s anyone you could sell for a profit.
“The atmosphere in the stadium on match days is toxic, the fans had had enough and things had to change.
“It costs a lot to manage Rangers and maybe now people will understand the job that Steven Gerrard did.
“Michael Beale trained a lot, but Gerrard could manage the players and that is not easy.
“Going forward, Rangers need to find an experienced manager.
‘I think since Walter Smith moved years ago there have been agreements that you would question.
“Steven Gerrard himself was given time but if you look at the Covid situation he might not have got the chance to go for 55 (titles) if that hadn’t happened, but he did.”
‘The anticipation is greater than I’ve ever seen’
Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson on Sky Sports News:
“If you look at the club and how big it is, I’m pretty sure all the big hitters and all the big names are going to have their agents on the phone calling the Rangers board to make sure they try to deploy.” a claim to go before the board and try to prove to them that they could be the next person.
“I wouldn’t like to put individual names in there because I think you almost have doubts. But what I would say is it’s a prestigious job, it’s as good as it gets, a huge club, an opportunity.” win silverware.
“The anticipation and demand is greater than I’ve ever seen. I think the club is in a good position. There are selling points; they’ve got a cup semi-final on the horizon, there’s still the Scottish Cup to win to play for, they are still in Europe.
“There are opportunities there. I think it’s a brilliant club, with brilliant fans, with the expectation to try and win silverware and play there at an elite level for everyone to see.
“I would be really disappointed if the club didn’t have some huge names in the hat and then pick who they think is the best candidate.”
The next manager must have a proven track record
Kenny Miller believes appointing an inexperienced team to take on interim leadership is a risk, but he insists the board needs time to ensure the next manager is someone who will mount a title challenge:
“It’s a huge gamble (appointing Steven Davis), but when clubs find themselves in these situations they need to have someone in charge.
“Steven is a really good guy to have, he is calm and knows everything about the club. He has been a player for a long time and has been part of some very successful teams.
“He will be able to start in the short term, but this next appointment is very important for this board so that they get the right man.
“They need someone with a proven track record of success and maybe they need the character of the staff to be in front of these 50,000 fans every week even when things aren’t going well.
“They must have broad shoulders to take responsibility and manage this wonderful club.
“There are a big few weeks ahead for the board as you don’t want to rush and make a hasty appointment, but Steven and the management team really are.
“They have the international breakthrough, so they have a bit of time to do the work.
“The season is not lost, this can be saved, so I would like to see the right agreement made as soon as possible.”
The Rangers’ next five games
October 8: Saint Mirren (a), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 12:00 – live on Sky Sports
21st of October: Hibernian (h), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 3pm
26th of October: Sparta Prague (a), Europa League, kick-off 5.45pm
29 October: Hearts (h), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 3pm
November 1st: Dundee (a), Scottish Premiership, kick-off 7.45pm
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