Who Could Succeed Russell Martin at Rangers?
Rangers FC have moved to dismiss Russell Martin after a turbulent start to the season, and speculation is rife about who might take over at Ibrox. With the club desperate for stability, returning to winning ways, and recapturing trust from fans, there are several names topping the list of possible replacements. Here are the frontrunners, along with their pros, cons, and what they might bring to the job.
Key Candidates
| Name | Current Status / Recent History | Strengths | Questions or Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Gerrard | Former Rangers manager (2018–2021), now free agent. (The Guardian) | Deep connection with Rangers and fans; has won the Premiership with the club before; understands Old Firm pressure. (The Guardian) | Recent managerial spells less successful; would returning be seen as a step sideways? Also, can he deliver again given high expectations and recent struggles? |
| Sean Dyche | Out of work since Everton departure in 2025. (Planet Football) | Strong discipline; good at organizing defensively; can steady the ship. Rangers fans who desire solidity may favor him. (Ibrox News) | May struggle to adapt to the attacking style Rangers often aim for; less proven in Scottish football; style might clash with fan expectations of entertainment. |
| Kevin Muscat | Currently managing abroad; former Rangers player. (The Scottish Sun) | Has links to the club; known for demanding standards; strong in discipline and motivation. Possesses an attacking philosophy in some roles. (Football Transfers) | Will he be ready to handle the pressure? Also, switching from his current environment could pose adaptation challenges, both in terms of league and expectations. |
| Danny Röhl | Ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager; has experience in German system/assistant roles. (Talksport) | Tactically astute; modern coaching background; good at attacking football; relatively younger and perhaps easier to mould. (Football Transfers) | Less experience managing under extreme pressure; some concerns about defensive solidity. Kit to see if he can handle big games regularly. |
| Gary O’Neil | Out of work; previous spells at Bournemouth and Wolves. (Planet Football) | Has Premier League experience; good reputation; liked by some fans; seems to bring balance between results and style. (Football Transfers) | May not be viewed as “big name” enough to satisfy all fans; might need time, which could be hard in Rangers’ current climate. |
What Rangers Need to Consider
To pick the right successor, Rangers need to weigh:
- Short-term stability vs long-term vision: Do they want someone who immediately stops the bleeding, or someone to build with over several seasons?
- Style of play: Fans expect a certain attacking intent; defensive solidity alone may not be enough.
- Man-management and dealing with pressure: The Old Firm rivalry and domestic expectations demand a coach who can handle criticism, big moments, and a passionate fan base.
- Transfer strategy: Whoever comes in should be able to work with the existing squad (or improve it) and make good use of incoming resources.
Conclusion
While nothing is certain yet, the leading contenders seem to be Sean Dyche, Steven Gerrard, Kevin Muscat, Danny Röhl, and Gary O’Neil. Each has pros and cons — some bring fan appeal and past success, others bring modern tactics and promise. The decision Rangers make will likely reflect how much risk they are willing to take, and how quickly they need improved results.
Leave a Reply