Kevin Muscat is the man tasked with rescuing Rangers’ horrific season. Russell Martin could not get off on the right foot at Ibrox and left the club eighth in the Scottish Premiership, also losing both of his Europa League games. Muscat, who spent a year at the club during the 2002/03 season, where three domestic trophies were won, knows he has to make a better impression than his predecessor.
However, it might not be until next month that the Aussie takes charge. He wants to lead Shanghai SIPG to the Chinese Super League title, with four games remaining, before heading to Glasgow. In that time, Muscat will be pondering over his next job, and Express Sport has given our two cents on what he needs to do first.
Rip up Russell Martin plan
Martin spent £34million on 12 new players in the summer but could not get his squad to gel. An unpopular choice, the former Southampton and Swansea boss dropped captain James Tavernier and star man Nico Raskin early into his tenure. Perhaps to send an early message, but it appeared to fall on deaf ears.
Excuses flowed as Martin described Rangers as a club that could only be fixed long-term, ignoring the historically poor start to his time at the helm. Fingers were pointed everywhere except at the main culprit, himself.
Muscat needs to arrive at Ibrox with a clear identity and a win-now attitude. He currently has Shanghai top of the table in China and has outlined his desire to win the title. That same passion for results must follow upon his return to Rangers, there is no time to waste continuing Martin’s long-term-only vision.
Get lieutenants in order
Just as important as Muscat and his playing staff are the key members behind the scenes.
Whether assistants Ross Aloisi and Vince Lerardo will join him in Scotland remains to be seen. Neil McCan, who is overseeing matters on a temporary basis, is set to be Muscat’s number two.
But hiring Shanghai’s head of high performance, Les Gelis, may be crucial to Rangers hitting peak form and physical condition.
He has built up a stellar reputation in the medical field and could give Gers an advantage over their rivals. Gelis arriving would be seen as quite the coup.
Free agent arrives
Muscat will not get the immediate backing that Martin received in the transfer market, but he can still bring in players before the January window opens.
However, he is limited to players who are without a contract.
There are some exciting options still on the table, however, including Patrick Bamford, who has already been linked with a move to Scotland.
Premier League stalwart Craig Dawson is currently a free agent and so too are Nathan Redmond, Jairo Riedewald and Dele Alli. All could make a considerable impact if they get the call from Muscat.
