The Candidates – Who Will Be Rangers New Manager?
By Ally Clark
As with any managerial casualty, after cleaning up the debris of the initial announcement and implications, the immediate focus switches to who is in line to take over the hot-seat.
When Mark Warburton’s departure was announced on Friday night, it didn’t take much time for names to begin being banded about. So much so that less than 48 hours later, Alex McLeish was appearing on Sky Sports publicly inviting Rangers to make an approach.
As well as McLeish, there have been several prominent managers that have become linked to the vacancy. Here, we break them down and discuss the possibilities:
Frank De Boer
Most Rangers supporters preferred option. It’s not difficult to see why. A name that comes with big experience both as a player and manager. The appointment of Frank De Boer would be a real statement of intent. Fans have become disillusioned with performances on and off the park lately and this would be a real morale boost. Is it feasible? For sure, but Frank has recently mentioned that he wouldn’t be looking to take on any roles mid-way during a season. So if it were to happen, it would need to wait until the summer.
Likelihood: 3/5
Billy Davies
His name often pops up with any Scottish managerial position. Davies has been out of work for almost 3 years, so it would be questionable as to whether he would be prepared to be tossed into the deep end of the Glasgow cauldron. One thing you cannot deny about Davies is his tenacity and passion. At a time when the players and fans are low on confidence, maybe a character such as Davies is exactly what would be needed. If he were to get the nod preferably is would be on a short term basis. I think it would show a lack of ambition on Rangers behalf should he be awarded it beyond May.
Likelihood: 4/5
Alex McLeish
A Rangers man. McLeish certainly has the experience, he lead the club to glory in the early 00’s. It’s for that reason that I think the club not consider him to replace Mark Warburton. Now more than ever, it is important for us to look forward and not backwards. I respect McLeish hugely for what he did for both Rangers and for Scotland. However, having not achieved much after winning the League Cup with Birmingham almost 9 years ago, I feel it would be a step backwards for him to takeover.
Likelihood: 4/5
Gary Rowett
A personal choice of mine to take over. Maybe wouldn’t be as much of a statement as if Frank de Boer to be placed in charge, but would certainly be a forward thinking appointment. Rowett led Birmingham from Championship relegation fodder in England to playoff contenders in just 18 months on a tight budget. He introduced youth as well as relying on experience. More importantly, he introduced an attractive, entertaining brand of football which generally received plaudits from supporters and pundits. He was removed from Birmingham in bizarre circumstances, on the back of a solid run and has maintained the reputation he earned himself as a promising young manager. Rowett is currently unattached and Rangers wouldn’t need to break the bank to attract him.
Likelihood: 2/5
There have been more rumored candidates and I think it’s fair to say regardless of who finally gets the job, they have a big job to do. On that basis, it’s is very important to get the decision right for the long term benefit of the club. The next few weeks will be interesting to follow both as a Rangers fan and for Scottish football in general. Scotland needs a strong Rangers to compete with Celtic and at the moment that isn’t happening. So it’s up to Dave King and the men in charge of Rangers to do that.