Glasgow Rangers find themselves in a precarious position, one that echoes the turbulent start to the 2023/24 campaign.
The Light Blues initially enjoyed a new manager bounce under Michael Beale, but poor summer recruitment soon derailed their momentum.
Rangers failed to qualify for the Champions League and fell eight points behind Celtic, leaving fans frustrated.
In October 2023, Philippe Clement was appointed to steady the ship, and within two months, the Belgian guided Rangers to a League Cup triumph.
However, the remainder of the season proved disappointing. The club clawed back the points deficit in the league but faltered when it mattered most, losing key matches to Motherwell, Ross County, and Celtic to finish second.
Adding to their woes, they were beaten 1-0 in the Scottish Cup final by Celtic, missing out on silverware once again.
After another summer of significant transfer activity, hopes were high that Clement could lead the club to the title this season. However, the campaign has begun poorly, with Rangers languishing in third place.
Poor performances have compounded the disappointing results, leaving Clement under serious pressure.
Having sacked managers before Christmas in the past two seasons, Rangers may be tempted to act swiftly again if things do not improve.
With speculation swirling around Clement’s future, here is a look at seven potential candidates to replace him if the club opts for a managerial change.
- Kevin Muscat (Shanghai Port)
A former Rangers player, Muscat enjoyed a successful spell at Ibrox in the 2002/03 season, helping the club secure a domestic treble.
Since moving into management, the Australian has built an impressive CV, winning two A-League titles with Melbourne Victory before succeeding Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama F. Marinos.
In Japan, he guided the club to a J1 League title in 2022 and claimed the Japanese Super Cup last year. Muscat was previously linked with the Rangers job before Clement’s appointment, and this time, the opportunity could come to fruition.
- Derek McInnes (Kilmarnock)
McInnes also has ties to Rangers, having spent five years at Ibrox as a player. His managerial career took off during an eight-year spell with Aberdeen, where he won the League Cup in 2014, their first trophy in two decades.
Now at Kilmarnock, McInnes has orchestrated victories over Rangers in recent seasons. The club approached him for the managerial role in 2017, but McInnes declined. However, circumstances could be different this time around.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjær (Free Agent)
The former Manchester United manager is currently out of work. Although Solskjær’s tenure at Old Trafford ended without silverware, his experience at the top level could make him an intriguing option.
He led United to a Premier League runners-up finish in 2020/21 and narrowly missed out on the Europa League title, losing to Villarreal in a penalty shootout. While his time at United ended poorly, his track record might appeal to Rangers.
- Graham Potter (Free Agent)
Graham Potter has been out of management since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, though he has turned down several offers, including an approach from Lyon.
Potter is known for his long-term project management style, which might not align with Rangers’ current need for immediate results.
However, if given time, Potter could build something sustainable at Ibrox. Whether Rangers are in a position to be patient, though, is another matter entirely.
- Frank Lampard (Free Agent)
Lampard reportedly expressed interest in the Rangers job after Beale’s dismissal, but the club did not pursue him. Sacked by both Chelsea and Everton, Lampard is under pressure to succeed in his next role.
While hiring him would be a gamble, Rangers might be tempted given Steven Gerrard’s success at the club. Gerrard’s appointment raised eyebrows, yet he led Rangers to the league title in 2021, ending Celtic’s dominance. Stranger things have happened in football.
- Kjetil Knutsen (Bodo/Glimt)
Knutsen has achieved remarkable success in Norway with Bodo/Glimt, leading them to three league titles between 2019 and 2023. Known for his attacking philosophy, Knutsen became the first coach to see his side score six goals against a José Mourinho team.
His exciting brand of football could be just what Rangers need to revitalise their fortunes, though his achievements may also attract interest from bigger clubs.
- Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace)
Glasner, currently managing Crystal Palace, expressed interest in the Rangers job last year but did not take up the role. He was at the helm of Eintracht Frankfurt when they defeated Rangers in the 2022 Europa League final, adding to his reputation.
However, Glasner’s tenure at Palace has been difficult, with the club currently rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. If Palace part ways with him, Glasner could be an intriguing option for Rangers.
Rangers find themselves at a crossroads yet again, with pressure mounting on Clement to deliver immediate improvements. If the club decides to part ways with him, the board has no shortage of candidates to consider.
Whether they opt for a familiar face like Muscat or McInnes, or take a chance on a higher-profile manager like Solskjær or Potter, any appointment will come with risks.
Clement still has time to turn things around, but with expectations high and patience wearing thin among supporters, Rangers may soon be forced to make a decisive move.
For a club desperate to reclaim domestic dominance and make an impact in Europe, the next managerial appointment could be pivotal.