Russell Martin has been sacked by Rangers after a dismal start to the season – but who will be the next man in the Ibrox hotseat?
Rangers bosses have finally brought the curtain down on the Russell Martin era following a catastrophic beginning to the campaign. The stalemate with Falkirk proved the final straw for club hierarchy against a backdrop of supporter demonstrations and a police escort for Martin leaving the ground.
The Englishman departs Ibrox with only one league victory this term and the side sitting in eighth place – leaving a monumental challenge for his successor. But who is already being touted for the role with the Glasgow giants?
We examine who the bookies believe could be occupying the hot seat following Martin’s dismissal.
Danny Rohl
He surfaced as an unexpected contender for Rangers prior to Martin being appointed by the 49ers.
However, having departed Sheffield Wednesday during the summer, he is the early frontrunner to secure the position.
He has previously stated his ambitions for his next role – a route to the elite level: “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.”
Bookmakers odds: 3/1.
Kevin Muscat.
Shanghai Port manager Kevin Muscat remains in supporters’ thoughts – having been interviewed for the vacancy before losing out to Philippe Clement when Michael Beale was sacked.
Nevertheless, it might prove a difficult proposition for the 49ers should they choose to rekindle their interest, with the boss competing for another Chinese Super League championship.
Yet with his contract winding down and three matches left in the season – the opportunity could present itself. Last year, ally Craig Moore stated that the “timing” wasn’t right for the manager to make a move to Glasgow – but could circumstances now be changing?
Bookmakers odds: 9/4.
Steven Gerrard.
The Liverpool legend is the last person to bring a title to Govan – but has had a challenging time since departing Rangers. He led the team to an unbeaten league season and their first championship in a decade during the 2020/2021 season before moving on to Aston Villa.
He only managed 11 months in the Premier League’s top job and his attempt to revive his career in the Saudi Pro League was unsuccessful after leaving Al-Ettifaq.
Speaking to Graeme Souness following his dismissal at Villa Park, the Ibrox legend said Gerrard told him a return might be possible if the relationship with the fans was given time to mend.
In 2022, he told talkSPORT: “I saw Steven a couple of weeks ago in Portugal. He seemed in good spirits and I asked 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.”
Earlier this year, the manager was caught by fans expressing his “f**** love” for the club.
Bookmakers odds: 4/1.
Sean Dyche.
The experienced Englishman has been unemployed since leaving Everton in January – and has been suggested as the early favourite to replace Martin should he be let go.
Ally McCoist has been promoting his friend for the role, but Dyche admitted just last week that he is not in a hurry to decide his future.
Speaking on 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.”
Could sporting director Kevin Thelwell use his Everton links and bring in the manager?
Bookmakers odds: 11/4.
Barry Ferguson.
Following his temporary stint in charge last season, Barry Ferguson’s name continues to be mentioned at Ibrox.
He has been open about wanting the role on a permanent basis – but has made clear he only wants it permanently 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.”
Bookmakers odds: 7/2.
Davide Ancelotti.
The Italian reached the latter stages of the interview process during the summer but Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises opted for Martin to spearhead the new era.
With that project already finished, Ancelotti is under significant pressure at Botafogo – with reports indicating he could be sacked. Following a loss to Internacional last week, the ex-Real Madrid manager insisted he wouldn’t resign 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% to win every game. We can’t win without giving 100%. For everyone, it’s going to be a tough fight until the end of the season.”
Bookmakers odds: 8/1.
Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick departed Middlesborough in July following a three year stint – but remains a well-respected coach.
However, he might not be rushing back into management – having just secured a fresh role as technical observer for UEFA last week.
Bookmakers odds: 10/1.
Derek McInnes.
It couldn’t happen, could it? Derek McInnes departed Kilmarnock in the summer and has steered Hearts to the top of the Premiership. He previously turned down the role in 2017 whilst managing Aberdeen – but might he be persuaded this time?
It would be a huge decision for Rangers, the manager and Hearts with an unexpected title challenge unfolding in Gorgie.
Bookmakers odds: 10/1.
Gary O’Neil.
Unemployed Gary O’Neil is “desperate” to get back into management with mate Carlton Cole suggesting a switch to Rangers could be an ideal match.
The 42 year old has been without a club since departing Wolves in December 2024 during a Premier League relegation battle – having guided the side to safety 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.
Bookmakers odds: 25/1.
Rafa Benitez.
Unemployed Rafa Benitez has been suggested as a potential successor to Russell Martin at Rangers, having previously been closely linked with the Ibrox managerial 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.”
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