Rangers’ bid to appoint a new manager as successor to Russell Martin is in danger of becoming slightly farcical, with another leading candidate reportedly withdrawing himself from the running. Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is said to have performed a U-turn after holding initial talks, with former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl seemingly heading in the same direction.
Martin sacked after forgettable 17-game reign
Ex-Swansea and Southampton coach Martin was relieved of his duties on October 5. He had taken in 17 games at the helm, having been welcomed to Ibrox over the summer. The 39-year-old won just five of his games in charge, suffering six defeats – including failure to qualify for the Champions League and painful losses in two Europa League fixtures. He bid farewell with the Gers languishing eighth in the Scottish Premiership table and with a police escort required when leaving his final game in the dugout.
Disgruntled supporters are glad to be rid of Martin, but it remains to be seen who will be next to fill a demanding role in Glasgow. According to , Rohl no longer forms part of that process. The 36-year-old German is said to have turned down the chance to become Rangers’ new boss.
That decision was taken just five days after Gerrard supposedly ruled out a return to familiar surroundings. The ex-England captain led the Gers to title glory in 2020-21 and spent 193 games in charge of Old Firm giants. He would have been a popular appointment among supporters.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportRangers prepared to be patient in manager search
Rohl is also out of the running, with former Rangers star Kevin Muscat the clear favourite to pick up the baton dropped by Martin. Patience will, however, be required if a deal is to be done there. That is because the Australian tactician is currently working with Shanghai Port in China, and they have four games left to complete in their domestic season. Muscat would not leave that role prematurely.
BBC Sport are, however, reporting that “more than one person remains in contention for the job” at Ibrox. Rangers are prepared to take their time in ensuring that their next appointment is the right one.
McInnes another now out of the running
Rohl was considered to be a good fit having shown at Sheffield Wednesday that he can deliver positive results in testing circumstances. He became the youngest manager in the EFL when heading to Hillsborough in October 2023 – having previously filled backroom staff roles at RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and with the Germany national team.
He guided the Owls away from relegation danger during his first season at the helm, before delivering a solid 12th-place finish last season. Rohl quit his post over the summer amid uncertainty regarding Wednesday’s ownership and financial situation.
It appears unlikely that his next job will come in Glasgow. Former Gers midfielder Derek McInnes is another to have ruled himself out of that race, with the 54-year-old very much focused on his current role at Hearts – having guided them to the top of the Premiership table.
GettyCould Gerrard be lured back to Ibrox?
It has been suggested that Gerrard may yet be talked into taking the Gers job, with his fellow former England international, Alan Shearer, telling Betfair of why a second stint at Ibrox should be considered: “There is that 'never go back' saying but if he wants to get back to management, he knows what it's like up there, he's done it and been successful before. He's a huge name in football. I don't think Celtic are that great either. Hearts are top of the SPFL at the moment so that tells you that Celtic aren't a great team either.
“Steven, or whoever goes into that role may fancy their chances and say it's worth the opportunity and worth going up there to compete. Rangers are miles off it at the minute and it's no surprise that Russell lost his job. The fans were going mad up there and it's not nice to see because of the human behind it and at the end of it. That's what you have to think of but you also know the score when you go into management – if you don't win games, you'll get sacked. The Rangers job will be a brilliant one for whoever takes over.”
The Gers will be back in action after the international break when playing host to Dundee United on Saturday.
