With Kevin Muscat now out of the picture, Rangers’ managerial search staggers into another chapter, and the question now isn’t just who wants the job, but who still trusts Stewart and Thelwell enough to take it.
A pool of six names has emerged in media and betting chatter, but not all of them are equally plausible, and some are significantly more speculative than others.
Here’s how the field stacks up based on actual reporting, current roles, and real-world likelihood as of now.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
There have been serious reports placing him in Rangers’ sights. Sky Sports previously stated Solskjær was being eyed as a candidate post-Russell Martin, and his availability keeps him relevant. Paul Scholes also insinuated his former teammate had spoken to the Rangers hierarchy.
The question isn’t whether Rangers want him in the conversation, it’s whether he sees the job as stable enough to rehabilitate his reputation after Manchester United and Besiktas failures.
Likelihood: Realistic candidate - if the board can convince him there’s enough control for him and a structure, he can work in.
Frank Lampard
Lampard has been repeatedly tipped in English and Scottish media, including suggestions he’d be tempted to leave Coventry for a return to a higher-profile stage as well as recent comments noting his love for Rangers as a club.
His English Premier League pedigree and comfort working under structured sporting departments give him a logical link, as does the Everton connection with Thelwell and a previous endorsement from Gers legend Graeme Souness. However, sections of the support may see him as another high-profile gamble with mixed results behind him.
Likelihood: In the frame - but needs selling power and a clear project pitch to entice him to leave Coventry.
Gary O’Neil
Named in several bookmaker lists and speculative commentary, O’Neil is regarded as a solid, modern coach with Premier League survival success. However, initial reports of talks were met with serious fan backlash, although that did not stop Rangers hiring Russell Martin.
Likelihood: Possible - but feels more like odds-table filler than a current frontrunner.
Stephen Robinson
Linked in Scottish press and tipped by insiders, Robinson’s stock has risen through disciplined, well-drilled, overperforming sides at St Mirren and Motherwell.
He fits the profile of a pragmatic stabiliser. But would a fanbase already on edge accept a domestic appointment that feels cautious rather than ambitious?
Likelihood: A realistic safety option if bigger names walk away again.
Chris Wilder
Wilder is a staple in managerial odds lists due to his resume, notably at Sheffield United, and appears here in the same capacity. But no reputable sources have yet tied him seriously to an Ibrox move.
He has only recently returned to the Blades, so you would imagine this is simply a betting odds inclusion.
Likelihood: Long-shot inclusion - feels speculative without noise from either side.
Raphaël Wicky
The Swiss coach’s name appears in odds markets due to his experience with BSC Young Boys and his style of play. But beyond that, there has been very little in terms of concrete reporting in him having talks with Rangers, would be seen a project manager as very much and one fans may not be behind immediately.
Likelihood: Low - unlikely to move beyond betting-site mentions unless process collapses again.
Any incoming manager will not just be asked to lift Rangers - they will inherit a support already questioning whether the people who hired them should still be in charge and a squad underperforming and in serious need of a mentality boost and tactical work.
Which is why the only thing more important than who Rangers hire next…
…is whether this board will still be trusted to do it.