Kevin Muscat may be a former Rangers player, but his name appearing in the latest Celtic managerial betting odds has reignited a familiar and uncomfortable debate on both sides of the city.
Muscat has been priced at 12/1 to become Celtic’s next manager, sitting among a crowded and eclectic list of candidates that includes many former Hoops players and managers such as Shaun Maloney (7/4), Martin O’Neill (5/2), Ange Postecoglou (5/1) and Robbie Keane (10/1).
Also listed at 12/1 are Gary O’Neil and Brian Barry-Murphy, while former Rangers-linked name Ole Gunnar Solskjaer appears further down the market at 20/1.
For Rangers supporters, Muscat’s inclusion is striking - not because of Celtic interest, but because of how recently he was linked with Ibrox himself.
Earlier this season, following the dismissal of Russell Martin, both Muscat and Solskjaer were discussed as potential Rangers appointments before the club eventually turned to Danny Rohl.
Muscat, however, never took the job. And that decision, made at the final hour, came to symbolise what many supporters believed was a deeper problem at Ibrox at the time.
What should have been a controlled managerial process instead descended into public chaos, with Rangers missing out on a succession of high-profile targets.
In that period, the failures were not viewed as bad luck, but as mismanagement.
Steven Gerrard explored a return before walking away. Röhl remained engaged for days, only to step back after prolonged uncertainty before returning to the fold later.
Muscat went further than anyone, yet still did not sign.
Three managers, three different exits, one recurring theme: hesitation about the structure, clarity and stability on offer.
Since then, much has changed. Both CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell have departed, the leadership structure has been overhauled, and under Röhl, Rangers have stabilised on the pitch - highlighted by Saturday’s emphatic 3–1 win over Celtic at Parkhead which has dragged the club level on points with the Hoops, albeit still six behind leaders Hearts.
Muscat himself has since broken his silence. Speaking after leading Shanghai Port to a second successive Chinese Super League title - a competition he has now won twice in a row, while remaining under contract until December 2026 - the former Rangers midfielder offered a measured reflection on events.
“I had some real positive talks with some really good people, real professional people,” Muscat said.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for the people that I spoke with.
“The decision ended up where it ended up but It’s not really important who made what decision at what time.
“What’s important is I think everybody’s comfortable now.
“Rangers seem to have moved on and we’ve won the championship, so I think it’s best just left alone.”
He added that contentment and environment mattered more than opportunity alone - a telling comment given the circumstances at Ibrox at the time.
Now, with Celtic searching once again after sacking Wilfried Nancy after just 33 days in charge and Rangers moving forward under Röhl, Muscat’s name surfacing across the city feels symbolic rather than threatening.
Muscat may be 12/1 for Parkhead. But Rangers, at last, appear to have moved on.