A New Chapter for Rangers
A former Manchester United midfielder has emerged as a surprise candidate to take over as the manager of Rangers, following Steven Gerrard’s decision to step back from the race. Gerrard, 45, who led the Glasgow giants to a Premiership title in 2021 before moving to Aston Villa, had engaged in discussions with the club in London over the past few days regarding replacing Russell Martin.
However, it was reported that Gerrard expressed a desire to have control over transfers if he were to return to Rangers. This led to him informing chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chair Paraag Marathe that he wished to withdraw from the competition.
In response, a delegation from Rangers, including sporting director Kevin Thelwell, CEO Patrick Stewart, and Gretar Steinsson of 49ers Enterprises, has been engaging with alternative candidates. Among them, former Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl is being considered positively.
Rangers are determined to finalize their new manager during the international break and ahead of their upcoming home game against Dundee United. According to Sky Sports, Michael Carrick, a former United player who recently managed Middlesborough, could be a potential candidate for the position.
Carrick took charge of Middlesborough in 2022 and guided them to the Championship play-offs, where they fell to Coventry in his first season. The following year, Boro finished eighth, and Carrick signed a new three-year contract. However, after leading them to 10th place last season, he was dismissed.
Having also served as a caretaker manager at United, Carrick is eager to continue his coaching career and may find an opportunity in Scotland with Rangers following the departure of Martin. Other names under consideration include Rohl, Kieran McKenna, and Ralph Hasenhuttl, according to Sky.
Gerrard was initially seen as the club’s top choice. His decision to step away will be disappointing for many supporters who hoped to see him return as manager. Gerrard admitted on a podcast hosted by his former international teammate Rio Ferdinand that he felt ready for another management role.
“I’ve had five or six really interesting phone calls since I stopped in Saudi and I haven’t been ready because I haven’t got that team set around me,” said Gerrard, who resigned as head coach of Al-Ettifaq in January after 18 months at the helm.
“My daughter’s just had a baby. I’ve just become a granddad. I wasn’t ready. I haven’t got my staff ready, so, unfortunately, these opportunities or these phone calls have come at the wrong time, if you like.”
It is understood that German coach Rohl was also approached by Rangers in the summer prior to the appointment of Martin. Rohl’s only managerial role was at Sheffield Wednesday, but he has held coaching positions at Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. He joined The Owls in October 2023 but left during pre-season due to financial issues. In his 89 matches in charge, Rohl recorded 34 wins, 21 draws, and 34 losses.
The club finished 20th in the Championship during his first season and climbed to 12th last term.
As Rangers search for their new manager, the question remains: can Steven Gerrard make a dramatic return to Rangers as the hunt for a new boss reaches fever pitch? Or will Danny Rohl emerge as the next leader of the Glasgow giants?