The managerial hunt is heating up at Ibrox as Rangers look to appoint the right man to lead the club into a vital new chapter. After a turbulent end to the season, the need for strong leadership, fresh ideas, and a winning mentality has never been greater. From former heroes to continental tacticians, a wide range of names have been linked — but who really fits the bill?
We take a closer look at the main contenders.
Steven Gerrard
For weeks now, former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been rumoured to be making a return to Ibrox after unsuccessful spells at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq. This has left fans split on whether it would be a good idea for the former boss to return.
He is certainly a blockbuster name in the footballing world and was able to attract players like Jermain Defoe to Rangers during his first spell – players who would not normally have made their way to Glasgow.
Gerrard was given time at Ibrox the first time around to build a squad and take Rangers back to a title victory. However, the Rangers board did not seem to match his ambition, and when he famously said that Rangers had to “fix the roof while the sun is shining”, calling for further investment after their title triumph, the club decided not to back him and he left shortly after for Villa.
While success did not come immediately, you could see steady progression in the quality of football. Gerrard quickly figured out how to beat Celtic and put them to the sword multiple times. One of the biggest questions we would have for Gerrard now is how hungry he still is for success. If he has the same drive and focus he had when he first arrived at Rangers, then a return could well work.
If Gerrard is to come back, and he wants to play in a similar style to before, he’s going to have to bring some wingers with him — because that’s an area where the squad is seriously lacking.
Barry Ferguson
For fans who grew up watching Barry Ferguson boss the midfield for Rangers, the idea of him returning as manager and being successful would be amazing. However, the reality is that Ferguson does not have a lot of top-level managerial experience, and some of his decisions so far suggest he’s unlikely to be the man to lead Rangers back to consistent success.
Ferguson should absolutely be credited for bringing the fans and the club back together after Clement was axed, and for successfully guiding Rangers to the Quarter Final of the Europa League and securing an Old Firm win at Parkhead. But outside of those highlights, results have been chaotic and inconsistent.
While there’s no doubt that Ferguson lives and breathes Rangers just like the fans, the club needs to stop taking risks on sentimental choices. The next appointment must be someone who gives Rangers the best possible chance of winning trophies again.
Sean Dyche
Sean Dyche is a seasoned English football manager renowned for his pragmatic approach and resilience in challenging environments. His managerial career spans over a decade, with significant tenures at Burnley and Everton.
Dyche has demonstrated the ability to overachieve with limited resources, particularly during his time at Burnley. His teams are known for their defensive discipline and organisation, which could bring some much-needed stability to the Rangers backline.
There’s also a connection already in place, with Dyche having previously worked with Kevin Thelwell, Rangers’ new sporting director, during his time at Everton. That familiarity could help the club hit the ground running.
However, Dyche’s pragmatic and defence-first style may not sit well with fans expecting free-flowing, attacking football at Ibrox. While he is proven in survival battles and tough situations, he has far less experience when it comes to leading title races or making deep runs in European competitions — something that Rangers must demand from their next manager.
The decision here would hinge on whether the club prioritises immediate stability, or whether they want a manager who can marry success with a more expansive, attractive style of play.
Marco Rose
Marco Rose, a 48-year-old German coach, has been one of the names gathering real momentum in recent days. Known for his tactical acumen and experience in European football, Rose has enjoyed notable spells at Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig.
At Salzburg, he secured back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles and the Austrian Cup, while also guiding the team to the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2018. He then led Borussia Mönchengladbach to a fourth-place Bundesliga finish and into the Champions League last 16.
At Dortmund, Rose guided the team to a second-place Bundesliga finish, but faced early exits in Europe and domestic cups. His time at RB Leipzig brought success too, winning the DFB-Pokal and the German Super Cup in 2023, though inconsistent league form eventually cost him his job in March 2025.
Rose’s track record in Europe, his focus on pressing football, and his ability to develop young players could make him a fantastic fit for Rangers. However, questions around his recent inconsistency and whether he can adapt to the demands of Scottish football would need to be answered.
Conclusion
As Rangers continue the search for a new manager, it’s clear the board are exploring a wide range of options. Steven Gerrard’s early position as the bookmakers’ favourite brought a sense of familiarity and nostalgia, but Marco Rose’s surge over the weekend shows there’s serious consideration being given to a fresh, continental approach. While wild rumours have linked José Mourinho to Ibrox, realistically, that feels more like fantasy than fact – and rightly, most have chosen to ignore it.
The appointment the club makes now is absolutely critical. Whether they turn back to a proven former hero like Gerrard, or gamble on the high-energy, tactical nous of someone like Rose, the next manager must be capable of lifting standards, restoring belief, and building a side capable of dominating domestically and making an impact in Europe.
The fans are ready, Ibrox is ready – now it’s over to the board to get it right.
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