Steven Gerrard could return to Rangers (Image: Getty Images)
Rangers chiefs have finally pulled the plug on the Russell Martin experiment following a catastrophic campaign so far. The stalemate against Falkirk became the final straw for the club’s hierarchy with supporter unrest requiring police protection for Martin’s exit from the ground.
The English manager departs Ibrox with just a solitary league victory this term and the club wallowing in eighth position in the Scottish Premiership table – leaving a monumental challenge for his successor. But which candidates are being touted to replace Martin? Express Sport looks at some of the names being touted by the bookmakers…
Danny Rohl
The German tactician surfaced as an unexpected contender for the Rangers position before Martin secured the appointment from the 49ers. Having departed Sheffield Wednesday during the summer, he now leads the betting to claim the vacancy.
The 35-year-old has already outlined his ambitions for his next opportunity – a route to elite football: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I’d like to work at the highest possible level with the best players in the near future.”
Kevin Muscat
Shanghai Port boss Kevin Muscat remains fresh in supporters’ thoughts – having been considered for the position before losing out to Philippe Clement when Michael Beale faced the axe.
Nevertheless, it might prove a difficult proposition for the 49ers should they resurrect their pursuit with the Australian competing for another Chinese Super League crown.
Yet with his deal winding down and just three fixtures left in the season – an opportunity could present itself. Speaking last year, ally Craig Moore declared the “timing” wasn’t right for the boss to move to Glasgow – but could it be right now?
Danny Rohl is available should Rangers want to appoint him (Image: Getty)
Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool legend remains the last manager to deliver silverware to Govan – but has endured a torrid spell since departing Rangers. He steered the club to an invincible league triumph and a maiden crown in a decade during the 2020/2021 campaign before departing for Aston Villa.
He survived merely 11 months in the Premier League hotseat and his bid to revive his managerial career in the Saudi Pro League crumbled after exiting Al-Ettifaq.
Speaking to Graeme Souness after his dismissal at Villa Park, the Ibrox legend revealed Gerrard indicated a comeback could materialise if relations with the faithful were allowed to mend.
He told talkSPORT in 2022: “I saw Steven a couple of weeks ago in Portugal. He seemed in fine form and I said to him: ‘are you wanting to go back?’ and he said give it a bit of time and I’ll go back if something comes along that is interesting to him.” And earlier this year, the manager was photographed by supporters expressing his “f**** love” for the club.
Sean Dyche
The experienced Englishman has remained unemployed since departing Everton in January – and has been tipped as the early favourite to succeed Martin should he face the axe.
Ally McCoist has been championing his mate for the position, but Dyche confessed he is in no hurry to determine his next move just last week. Speaking to the ‘Call Yourself a Fan’ podcast, he said: “You know, it’s a strange thing football management. The job sort of comes and gets you.
“You don’t just ring clubs and say, ‘any danger?’ If the timing is right and they want me to come and do it and interview and see if we get it. I’m alright at the minute, I’m quite enjoying watching what’s going on rather than being immersed in it.”
Might sporting director Kevin Thelwell utilise his Everton links and lure in the gaffer?
Sean Dyche is without a job right now (Image: Getty)
Barry Ferguson
Following his caretaker stint last season, Barry Ferguson continues to feature prominently in Ibrox discussions. The former midfielder has been open about his ambitions to secure the role on a full-time basis – though he’s insisted he would only accept a permanent appointment this time around.
He said: “You know what the club means to me. But at the end of the day, I am not just going in to take a job for somebody else then to come in and take it off you. But listen, Russell Martin is still the manager at this moment of time.”
Davide Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti’s son reached the latter stages of the summer recruitment process before Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises opted for Martin to spearhead their new chapter.
With that gamble now backfiring spectacularly, Ancelotti finds himself under intense scrutiny at Botafogo – amid speculation that he could face the axe. Following a loss to Internacional last week, the Italian insisted he wouldn’t be stepping down from his position: “There are still many games, and we’re still in the fight. It’s a tight league, so we need more than 100 per cent to win every game. We can’t win without giving 100 per cent. For everyone, it’s going to be a tough fight until the end of the season.”
Michael Carrick
Despite leaving Middlesborough after a three-year stint in July, Michael Carrick remains a highly respected coach.
However, he may not be eager to return to the dugout just yet – having only recently taken up a new role as a technical observer for UEFA last week.
Barry Ferguson has been tipped for a return to Ibrox (Image: Getty)
Derek McInnes
Could it really happen?
Derek McInnes, who left Kilmarnock in the summer and has since guided Hearts to the top of the Premiership, previously turned down the job in 2017 while at Aberdeen – but could he be swayed this time around?
It would be a monumental decision for Rangers, the manager and Hearts with an unexpected title challenge on the horizon in Gorgie.
Gary O’Neil
Unemployed Gary O’Neil is “desperate” to get back into management, with friend Carlton Cole suggesting a move to Rangers could be the ideal match.
The 42-year-old has been out of work since departing Wolves in December 2024 during a Premier League relegation battle – having successfully kept the club in the league the previous year.
O’Neil, who previously managed Bournemouth for seven months, has been named by bookmakers as a surprise contender to take over from Russell Martin at Ibrox.
Rafa Benitez
Unemployed Rafa Benitez is being touted as a potential successor to Russell Martin at Rangers, having previously been linked with the Ibrox role.
The 65-year-old hasn’t ruled out another stint in European football, stating just last month: “Sometimes to be described as ‘a legend’ is very nice, but also complicated.
“For sure, I do, particularly in England and Europe. I do not want people to think I am finished. I am still evolving.”