Rangers Manager Search: Steven Gerrard, Davide Ancelotti, and Others Considered for Ibrox Role
Rangers are in the process of appointing a new manager, with several high-profile candidates being considered for the role. According to Sky Sports News, the Glasgow-based club is speaking to various candidates, including former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti.
Gerrard, who won the Scottish Premiership title with Rangers in 2021, has been linked with a return to Ibrox. However, his only trophy from a possible nine before he left for Aston Villa did not materialize, and his spell at the Premier League club lasted less than a year. Ancelotti, son of Carlo, has worked under his father at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid. With Carlo joining Brazil next week, Davide is looking to become a manager in his own right.
As reported by Sky Sports News last week, former Southampton, Swansea, and MK Dons manager Russell Martin has been another name under consideration. In-demand Danny Rohl, ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards, and former Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary OâNeil have also been linked to the job.
Rangers are believed to be assessing the various candidates, and while it is understood no announcement is expected this week, a new boss should be in place within the coming weeks. CEO Patrick Stewart confirmed on Sunday that the search for a new head coach âis progressing wellâ and added that the club âlook forward to concluding our process in the coming periodâ.
That followed confirmation that Barry Ferguson would depart the club. He had been placed in charge until the summer following Philippe Clementâs sacking in February. Sky Sports News understands that while there is no front runner at this stage, the club is taking its time to find the right candidate.
Davide Ancelotti could help his father for Brazilâs friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay early next month, but it is understood Paul Clement will be named long-term assistant to Carlo. The 35-year-old had been linked to Como in the event that Cesc Fabregas were to depart, but the former Arsenal captain is staying at the Italian club.
Martin is also a name familiar to Rangers fans, having played at the club in 2018, and has been out of work since last December. Meanwhile, Edwards â who worked with incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell at Wolves â could be an option that Gers chiefs opt for. Sheffield Wednesday boss Rohl has been linked with the job at Southampton too, but with Will Still set to move to St Maryâs, the 36-year-old could yet land the job.
Rangers will return to pre-season training on June 23 ahead of their Champions League qualifiers at the end of July, with the new Scottish Premiership season kicking off in the first weekend of August. Any appointment will not need to wait on the official completion of the US takeover of Ibrox.
A US consortium controlled by health insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, which includes the San Francisco 49ers investment arm, the 49ers Enterprises, is expected to acquire a 51 per cent stake in Rangers by early June. It is understood that while the takeover is ongoing, planning for next season has been continuing behind the scenes as the club weighs up decisions over player contracts and potential transfers.
Former Rangers striker and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd claims that the club clearly hasnât made up its mind on the next manager but suggests that Steven Gerrard would be a good option. âRangers need to get someone who understands it, gets it, can deal with the pressures and the demands,â former Ibrox striker Boyd told Sky Sports News.
âSteven showed he can do that for three years in Glasgow. He can deal with that, heâs had it all his life. That there will be a lot of coaches and managers out there that, for me, will be scared to take the Rangers job because of the pressures and demands that come along with it. You need someone who can deal with the pressures every single day, carry the burden of the football club and take it forward.â
Boyd added, âYes,
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