NafisaAndrew Cavenagh will be aiming to significantly accelerate the process of hiring a new manager at Ibrox now that the takeover has been finalised.
Talk around who will take charge has persisted for quite some time, although no long-term appointment appears to be any nearer.
With the change of ownership now completed, the new leadership have wasted little time in getting started, already opting to move on from Nils Koppen.
As a result, it appears probable that a managerial decision will soon be made at Rangers, enabling preparations for the upcoming season’s squad to commence.
Rangers tipped to unearth new Ange Postecoglou:
Although there may be some leeway for the incoming owners if they get things slightly off course, they’ll be well aware of how crucial their first Ibrox appointment is.
This could be one of the reasons why a resolution has taken so long, with the final decision seemingly coming down to Davide Ancelotti or Russell Martin.
Ancelotti has often been the front-runner, but his limited experience as a standalone figure appears to raise doubts among the Rangers hierarchy.
While Martin offers more hands-on experience, the club could worry they’ll regret not taking the chance on the younger Ancelotti.
Stephen McGowan has suggested the 35-year-old might be exactly what the Light Blues need, proposing that he could replicate Ange Postecoglou’s impact with their Glasgow rivals.
Writing in The Herald (2 June), McGowan said:
“Right now, it feels as if Rangers are looking for a young Ange. A coach of conviction with plenty to prove, who can find his feet in Scottish football quickly, forge a new team and give the folk on the other side of the city a run for their money.
“Given time and a fair wind, Davide Ancelotti just might be that man.
“With the help and backing of the 49ers investment group, Thelwell and Purdy, standards will surely improve on and off the pitch. He might stamp his authority on the team from day one and be a game-changer. At this stage, no one knows for sure that he even has the job.”
Rangers to gamble on Ancelotti:
Opting for Ancelotti represents a gamble, as there’s limited evidence to evaluate from his own managerial record.
However, appointing Martin is also a risk given the uncertainty around how well any manager adjusts to Scottish football, especially after a rough campaign at Southampton.
So, with Steven Gerrard already removing himself from the conversation, the new owners must be ready to make a bold move—one that could prove pivotal in shaping the club’s future.
As McGowan notes, with the proper support from those in senior positions at Ibrox—both financially and strategically—there’s no reason this choice can’t succeed, even if it’s an unconventional one.
The Gers are eager to resume competing with Celtic at the top of the Premiership as quickly as possible, and this decision could help pave the way.
Nafisa
