NafisaThe race to appoint the next Rangers manager continues to intensify, with updated odds highlighting a standout frontrunner — while also introducing some unexpected names into the mix.
Although Gerrard remains the bookmakers’ leading candidate to land the role, questions persist over whether the Liverpool great would actually be interested. The 44-year-old previously spent three years at the helm of Rangers, steering them to their first league championship in ten years during the 2020/21 campaign.
He departed for a short-lived stint at Aston Villa a few months into the next season — a decision that left a portion of the fanbase disappointed. While some now hope for his return, Graeme Souness, who both played for and coached Rangers, believes a comeback is improbable.
Rangers legend Ally McCoist sees it differently, stating:
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Steven Gerrard came back to Ibrox. He’s obviously held in really high regard by the supporters because of the league title he won (ending Celtic fans decade dominance to strike fear into them), and his next job is going to be vitally important for him.
“Things haven’t gone according to plan for him after he left Rangers. A little bit like Frank Lampard going to Coventry – his next appointment [is] really important to him as well.”
Gerrard tops the betting at 6/4, with growing support among Rangers supporters pushing for his return. His previous spell was marked by major success, most notably halting Celtic’s quest for a tenth consecutive title, but debate continues over whether he’s the right man to lead the club forward once again.
Just behind Gerrard, Southampton manager Russell Martin is listed as the second favourite at 4/1. The up-and-coming coach has impressed many with his style of play, and with Rangers already linked to players in the Championship, the connection appears feasible. However, whether Martin would walk away from a developing Southampton project is uncertain.
Further down the pecking order, both Davide Ancelotti and Frank Lampard sit at 10/1 — choices that have raised some eyebrows. Ancelotti, son of Carlo, has yet to take on a senior managerial role, while Lampard’s reputation has seen a slight resurgence following a turbulent spell, most recently ending at Coventry. Neither name seems to ignite excitement among supporters.
Intriguingly, ex-Borussia Dortmund manager Marco Rose is priced at 11/1. With a strong Bundesliga pedigree and Champions League credentials, Rose would be a headline-grabbing appointment if the club could secure his services. Germany assistant Danny Röhl comes in at 12/1, with Derek McInnes (16/1) and Gary O’Neil (20/1) considered more unlikely options.
According to Football Insider, Gerrard is reportedly open to a return, and his name continues to dominate the conversation. Whether Rangers stick with a proven figure or opt for a fresh path is still up in the air, but there’s no doubting the magnitude of the decision ahead.
Who gets your backing, Rangers fans?
Nafisa
