Rangers’ search for a new manager has taken another twist after Steven Gerrard ruled out a sensational return to Ibrox, paving the way for former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Röhl to emerge as the leading candidate.
The club had been hoping to secure a quick appointment following the departure of Russell Martin, whose short and disappointing tenure ended after just 123 days in charge. A draw against Falkirk last weekend proved to be the final straw, leaving Rangers’ hierarchy under pressure to act swiftly ahead of their upcoming clash with Dundee United.
Gerrard, who previously guided Rangers to their first Premiership title in a decade during his successful spell between 2018 and 2021, was the overwhelming choice among supporters. The former Liverpool captain had travelled from the Middle East to hold talks with club officials in London, fueling speculation that a reunion was imminent. However, Gerrard has since withdrawn from consideration, citing that the timing is not right for a return to Glasgow.
The decision is understood to have left Rangers’ leadership facing a backlash from frustrated fans eager to see Gerrard back at the helm. The move also represents another public relations setback for the Ibrox board, which is already under scrutiny for a series of missteps in recent months.
With Gerrard out of the picture, attention has now turned firmly toward Danny Röhl, the 36-year-old German coach who impressed during his time at Sheffield Wednesday despite the club’s well-documented off-field turmoil. Röhl, who reportedly met Rangers’ American ownership late last week, had been under consideration before Martin’s appointment in the summer.
Although Röhl’s lack of direct experience in Scottish football might concern some supporters, his coaching pedigree is difficult to ignore. Before managing Wednesday, he held assistant roles at several top European clubs, including RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich, and Southampton, as well as working with the German national team setup.
Rangers are keen to finalise their new managerial appointment before the visit of Dundee United to Ibrox, hoping to bring stability and direction to a team struggling for consistency. Röhl’s modern coaching methods and reputation for developing young players could offer the fresh start the club desperately needs, as the Gers look to reignite their domestic and European ambitions.
