Alious
The race to appoint the next permanent Rangers manager has entered a decisive phase, with five prominent candidates reportedly under active consideration. Despite a whirlwind of speculation, the club’s search is said to be progressing steadily, though supporters may need to wait a little longer for a final announcement.
According to the *Daily Record*, Rangers’ managerial recruitment process has reached an ‘advanced’ stage, with the pace of discussions expected to intensify in the coming week. The club’s hierarchy, led by CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, are spearheading the selection process and have drawn up a shortlist of five names.
Among them is Davide Ancelotti, whose candidacy has been the subject of much debate. While initial reports indicated that the young coach would be joining his father Carlo Ancelotti in Brazil to assist with their national team duties, new claims suggest he remains firmly in contention for the Ibrox role. A Real Madrid insider had earlier stated that Ancelotti would be unavailable for at least a year, but the latest developments hint that Rangers haven’t closed the door on the Italian tactician just yet.
If Ancelotti is ultimately unavailable, Rangers have identified four British alternatives — three of them currently unattached and one already working within the club.
Barry Ferguson, serving as interim boss, is among those being considered. The former captain has expressed his openness to staying on permanently and hinted at his ambition after Rangers’ final home fixture of the season, saying, “you never know what’s around the corner.”
Joining Ferguson on the shortlist are three English managers with varied Premier League and Championship experience:
* **Sean Dyche**, who has been without a club since his dismissal from Everton earlier this year, remains a strong contender. Known for his no-nonsense approach and Premier League pedigree, Dyche could bring stability and resilience to the role.
* **Russell Martin**, who turned down multiple opportunities after parting ways with Southampton, is also on the radar. A younger, progressive coach, Martin is known for his emphasis on possession-based football and player development.
* **Gary O’Neil**, the least discussed name until now, has quietly emerged as a serious candidate. The former Bournemouth and Wolves manager is being evaluated for his tactical acumen and ability to get results with limited resources.
While the club continues to deliberate, fans remain eager for clarity on who will take the reins at Ibrox. The next week could prove pivotal as Rangers edge closer to confirming the identity of their next manager, with both high-profile and homegrown options still very much in play.
Alious
