Rangers find themselves scrambling to draw up a credible shortlist after Russell Martin’s brief spell at Ibrox ended in disappointment. There’s no single standout candidate so far — just a long list of names being linked, mixed fan opinion, and a board under pressure to act decisively. Below I’ve pulled together the state of play, the realistic candidate pool, pros & cons for each profile, what the club should prioritise, and a suggested next step.
Quick state of play
Russell Martin was appointed in June 2025 on a three-year deal but has since been dismissed following a poor run of results.
The club is understood to be compiling a list of potential successors, but — as you said — no clear outstanding candidate has emerged yet; media outlets and bookmakers have produced long lists and shifting odds.
Who’s being linked
Below are the names most commonly mentioned in recent coverage, with the strongest supporting sources highlighted:
Steven Gerrard — perennial Ibrox favourite given his past success; bookmakers and pundits frequently name him as a target.
Sean Dyche — a low-drama, defensive organiser linked in odds markets, though recent reporting says he’s currently not interested.
Jermain Defoe — has publicly offered himself, leaning on his emotional connection to the club and coaching experience.
Danny Rohl, Marco Rose, Davide Ancelotti, Rafa Benítez, Kevin Muscat, Derek McInnes, Barry Ferguson, and Gary O’Neil all appear occasionally across reports and fan lists; some are realistic, others more speculative.
(There are other names in smaller pieces and social media rumours; media markets are very noisy right now.)
What Rangers actually need (short list of priorities)
1. Immediate stabiliser — someone who can steady the dressing room and stop the slide while morale is fragile.
2. Tactical clarity — an identity that suits the current squad (and the Scottish Premiership’s demands).
3. Transfer credibility — a manager who can attract reasonably priced recruits or get more from the squad.
4. Fan relationship & authority — Ibrox supporters expect passion and leaders who respect the club’s traditions.
Hiring should balance short-term damage control with a plan that doesn’t sacrifice two or three transfer windows. (These needs follow from the club’s current on-field struggles and the pressure created by quick managerial turnover.)
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