Shanghai Port manager Kevin Muscat will not be taking over as the next Rangers boss. The Daily Record revealed that discussions with the Shanghai Port chief broke down despite the 52-year-old initially reaching an agreement in principle to succeed Russell Martin in the vacant position.
Muscat engaged in encouraging talks with owner Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises on Thursday. These were subsequently followed by weekend discussions with chief executive Patrick Stewart, sporting director Kevin Thelwell and Gretar Stainesson of the San Francisco 49ers.
However, a deal has now entirely fallen through with the Australian remaining in the Chinese Super League to complete Shanghai’s title campaign.
Under-19s manager Stevie Smith has taken temporary charge during Andrew Cavenagh and the hierarchy’s hunt for the new manager.
They were held to a 2-2 stalemate at home against Dundee United in the Premiership on Saturday.
He now appears likely to oversee the Europa League encounter with Brann this week, having declared after Saturday’s Premiership fixture: “Honestly, I’ve gone day by day. I have not thought any further ahead than Dundee United because that would have been disrespectful.
“If my focus was on other things, whether that was manager noise or thinking about a potential game on Thursday night, that would have been disrespectful to Dundee United.”
Rangers have been on the hunt for a new manager during the international break, following a draw with newly promoted Falkirk that marked the end of former Southampton boss Martin’s reign.
His tenure lasted just seven league games – his record stands at one win, five draws and one defeat. This leaves the incoming management team with a significant task to catch up with Celtic and Hearts at the top of the Premiership standings.
