Rangers FC is intensifying efforts to bring Kevin Muscat back to Ibrox as their next manager following a surprising late-night development. On Wednesday, October 15, Danny Rohl unexpectedly withdrew his candidacy, clearing the path for the 52-year-old Australian to step into the role. For a club under pressure to find the right leader, this news made quite the splash.
High-Profile Managerial Links
Rangers have not lacked for high-profile managerial candidates. The club has been linked to notable names such as Steven Gerrard, Sean Dyche, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and Slaven Bilić. However, one by one, those candidates have opted out, leaving Muscat, who had a brief but memorable stint as a center-back during his loan at Ibrox in the early 2000s, as the front-runner.
The Stumbling Block: Shanghai Port
The primary hurdle in securing Muscat’s return is his current commitment to Shanghai Port. He still has a year remaining on his contract, and interestingly, his team is currently leading the Chinese Super League with just four matches to go. This situation means that negotiations will need to address compensation clauses while also convincing a title-chasing coach to move north of the equator. It’s a significant challenge, akin to persuading a chef to trade a Michelin star for a takeaway van.
Growing Confidence Among Rangers Insiders
Despite the challenges, Rangers insiders report growing confidence that an agreement can be reached within the next 48 hours. Muscat is expected to accept a pay cut to return to British football, which indicates that he values the opportunity to manage in Scotland over a lucrative contract in the Far East. After coaching stints in Australia, Belgium, and Japan, he appears eager to demonstrate his abilities on British soil.
Deep Ties to Rangers
Muscat’s connection to Rangers runs deep. Since leaving Ibrox in 2003, he has maintained a strong bond with the club, much deeper than the typical affection former players have. He is frequently discussed in coaching circles as someone who genuinely understands the Rangers culture, which could help facilitate a smooth transition, even in the middle of the season.
Urgency in the Managerial Search
Rangers’ urgency in this managerial search stems from a rocky recruitment drive. Following the dismissal of manager Martin after a 1-1 draw with Falkirk, their search for a successor has been challenging. It feels as if the club is trying to find the perfect coffee blend without succeeding in any of the trials. Gerrard was very close to making a sensational return before he stepped away, and with Dyche and Rohl also withdrawing, Muscat has become the last remaining candidate from the original shortlist.
Conclusion: The Need for Tactical Leadership
The need for a strong tactical leader is pressing for Rangers. They cannot achieve success without the right manager to implement effective strategies. If Muscat accepts the role, at least Rangers fans can look forward to the prospect of managerial consistency at Ibrox. With any luck, it will lead to more success than just déjà brew.