A new era is on the horizon at Rangers and one that the 49ers will hope to see last longer than 123 days with the potential appointment of their next manager.
Rangers confirm staff for Dundee United clash
In an ideal world for the Gers, they would have their manager ready to go as soon as this weekend. But that’s not the case. The 49ers have been working on appointing a replacement for Russell Martin since the start of the international break, but are yet to confirm their decision following rejection from Steven Gerrard.
The former Rangers manager opted out of returning to Ibrox amid belief that the timing simply isn’t right. Forcing the Gers back to the drawing board, a number of names have emerged ever since as the wait goes on.
It became clear since Gerrard’s decision that the 49ers would have to make a decision about the Tangerines’ visit to Ibrox this weekend and it has now been confirmed that Steven Smith, Brian Gilmour, Rhys Owen and Sal Bibbo will lead the side on Saturday.
Away from the drama of their managerial search, Rangers will hope to at least get back to winning ways after drawing Martin’s final game against Falkirk. If results go their way then they could cut the gap on shock leaders Hearts to eight points and the gap on Old Firm rivals Celtic to five points – handing their next manager something to at least build on.
Meanwhile, the speculation will only continue about the next manager in the hotseat, especially after the latest update on Kevin Muscat’s potential arrival from Shanghai Port.
Reporter drops latest Muscat update as Rangers close in on deal
As reported by The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan, Kevin Muscat’s move to Rangers is now “almost done” with the 49ers now closing in on ending their managerial search by hiring the Shanghai Port manager.
It looks as though Rangers have gone full steam ahead with Muscat even if it remains to be seen when he will officially step into the Ibrox dugout. As things stand, the 52-year-old has four games left of his side’s Chinese Super League campaign and, with Shanghai top by two points, he may yet delay his Scotland move.
If that does happen, then the Gers will have to wait until November 22 to get their man. In the meantime, it could be Smith and others who are left with the task of turning things around before the manager’s arrival, at which time the Aussie has reportedly demanded “belief” in his attacking 4-3-3 system from the higher ups at Ibrox.
It would be the most chaotic start to a reign at a time when there has been uncertainty all around Ibrox. Alas, after Gerrard’s rejection and Danny Rohl’s latest snub, it at least seems as though Rangers are set to get their manager.
