Rangers’ turbulent hunt for a new manager has taken another twist after negotiations with Kevin Muscat broke down, leaving the club once again without a clear direction. The 52-year-old, currently managing Shanghai Port, had emerged as the frontrunner to replace Russell Martin but failed to reach an agreement with the club’s hierarchy despite detailed discussions.
This latest setback marks another blow for Rangers, who had earlier failed to convince Steven Gerrard to return for a second spell in charge. The club’s search for stability has been anything but smooth, with the board now facing growing frustration from supporters over the drawn-out and disorderly recruitment process. The situation is made worse by the team’s poor start to the season, trailing early leaders Hearts by 13 points after collecting just nine from eight matches.
Muscat, who had a brief stint as a player at Ibrox, was reportedly interested in the role but remains committed to his club in China, where Shanghai Port are on course for a second consecutive league title. With their season running until late November, his availability was always in question. Rangers, however, pressed ahead with talks, confident that a deal could be struck, only for negotiations to collapse late in the process.
The managerial chaos deepened when Danny Röhl, another name admired by the Rangers board, ruled himself out of contention once Muscat became the preferred candidate. The failed negotiations have increased scrutiny on the club’s decision-makers, who are already facing protests from supporters demanding more transparency and competence in football operations.
Steven Smith, the club’s under-19 coach, has been placed in temporary charge and oversaw a 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox over the weekend. His short-term stewardship highlights the growing urgency for Rangers to make a decisive appointment as they look to salvage their season and stabilize the dressing room.
Among those now linked with the vacant post is former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær. His name has surfaced as the board evaluates fresh options, though whether he would be willing to take on a job under such turbulent conditions remains uncertain. With a Europa League fixture against SK Brann looming, Rangers find themselves at a crossroads, in desperate need of leadership and clarity both on and off the pitch.
