Alious
Steven Gerrard will not be returning to Ibrox as manager, as Rangers’ hierarchy has opted to move in an entirely new direction. According to TEAMtalk, the club’s upcoming managerial appointment will break from the past, bringing in a leader with no previous links to Rangers—a definitive signal that the incoming ownership group, the 49ers, are serious about building for the long haul.
With Barry Ferguson’s short interim spell set to conclude at the end of the season, the board is focused on reshaping the club’s identity, aiming to end the cycle of short-term fixes that have plagued Rangers for years. Rather than repeating past mistakes—cycling through managers who deliver brief upswings before faltering—the 49ers want a long-term strategist they can trust with both recruitment and culture change.
This marks a significant shift in approach. Gerrard, though once considered, no longer fits the club’s vision. Instead, they are targeting progressive minds—managers capable of implementing a sustainable style and shifting the mentality of a squad that has grown too comfortable settling for second-best.
A total rebuild is expected, with the current team seen as underperforming despite flashes of European success. Rangers’ new manager will inherit a side that only excels when expectations are low, and reshaping that mentality will be a core challenge.
Among the names being floated is Kjetil Knutsen, the highly-rated Bodø/Glimt boss known for his innovative tactics and player development. Though prying him away from Norway won’t be easy, this summer could mark the right time. Marco Rose is also under consideration, and Rangers have reportedly already made initial contact.
While names like Jose Mourinho and Sean Dyche continue to be tossed around, the club’s current plan suggests a preference for forward-looking leaders rather than celebrated veterans. The Rangers job is said to be attracting substantial interest from high-profile figures across Europe—suggesting a big-name appointment could still be on the cards.
Alious
