Glasgow | Kevin Muscat emerges as favourite to take over from Russell Martin

More names being linked with Rangers job

Kevin Muscat has now emerged as the favourite to take over from Russell Martin. 

Author | Mark Lee

14/10/2025 update | Former player linked with job

Kevin Muscat has emerged as the leading contender to replace Russell Martin. The former Rangers defender, who featured for the club in the early 2000s, is currently managing Shanghai Port in China.

Talks are understood to have taken place with the 52-year-old Australian, with several figures at Ibrox said to be supportive of his appointment following Steven Gerrard’s decision to withdraw from consideration.

Should an agreement be reached, Muscat would not be available to take charge until the Chinese Super League season concludes on 22 November.

EXCLUSIVE! Kevin Muscat and Neil McCann hold secret Rangers agreement that could fast track Ibrox hero into dugout | Keith Jacksonhttps://t.co/CChue2gSV3 pic.twitter.com/BOlXFI37VF

— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) October 14, 2025

13/10/2025 update | New shortlist following Gerrard reaction

The club has reportedly drawn up a new shortlist of more than two candidates for the vacant head coach position following Steven Gerrard’s decision to remove himself from consideration.

Former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is understood to have held discussions with Rangers officials last week prior to Gerrard’s withdrawal.

Graham Potter, who recently left West Ham United, former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil, and ex-Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick, all previously linked with the role, are not believed to be on the shortlist.

An announcement on a successor to the sacked Russell Martin is not expected within the next 48 hours. Ibrox sources have dismissed reports that efforts were made to persuade Gerrard to reconsider.

Fans’ anger and frustration turning to those in the board room

Mikey, a Rangers supporter, told us: "Can anyone point to anything positive that has happened at Rangers since the new owners took over? The appointment of Russell Martin was questionable, Kevin Thelwell's appointment was questionable, player recruitment has been questionable, and the decision to keep Russell Martin longer than anyone expected was also questionable. Now, the Steven Gerrard situation has added to the doubts. The board is under serious pressure to ensure this next appointment is the right one."

William, another Rangers supporter, added: "Gerrard was probably the frontrunner. Most fans wanted Steven Gerrard, but that is no longer an option. Danny Rohl, if that route is taken, I am not saying he is not a good manager, but it feels like rinse and repeat. I do not think Rangers supporters want that. It is important that the hierarchy at Rangers take the fans into account for this decision. You do not select your manager based on fans, but their views should be considered."