In the wake of Michael Beale’s departure, Rangers have wasted no time in assembling a list of potential candidates for their next manager.
Among those garnering significant interest are Chris Wilder, Kevin Muscat, and Frank Lampard. These three individuals are at the forefront of Ibrox Club’s early considerations to replace Beale, who was relieved of his duties by the Ibrox board on Sunday.
Chris Wilder, a 56-year-old manager, has been without a job since his short-term contract with English Championship club Watford ended in May. He previously managed Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, achieving remarkable success, including two promotions in three years from League One to the Premier League between 2016 and 2019. Wilder is a dedicated fan of Scottish football and boasts an in-depth understanding of the league, its players, and the overall landscape. While English clubs are also eyeing his services, Rangers hold him in high regard.
Kevin Muscat, aged 50, is currently managing Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, where he clinched the J1 League title last year. His contract extends until the end of 2023, and he is currently involved in another title race, with Yokohama trailing leaders Vissel Kobe by four points with five games remaining. As a former player, Muscat earned a domestic treble with Rangers in the 2002/03 season and established a reputation as an uncompromising defender, amassing 46 appearances for Australia.
Frank Lampard has managerial experience in the English Premier League, having coached Everton and Chelsea. He most recently served as the caretaker manager at Stamford Bridge for the last 11 games of the previous season. At 45 years old, Lampard is eager to make a return to high-level football, although his considerable salary expectations reflect his experience in English football.
Rangers are committed to conducting an extensive search to find Beale’s long-term successor and are determined not to rush the appointment process. They have appointed former player Steven Davis as the interim manager, with support from a backroom team consisting of Alex Rae, Steven Smith, Brian Gilmour, and goalkeeping coach Colin Stewart.
The managerial change followed Aberdeen’s 3-1 victory at Ibrox on Saturday, leaving Rangers in the third position in the cinch Premiership table. They are three points behind second-placed St Mirren, while leaders Celtic have a seven-point advantage after just seven rounds of fixtures.
Rangers’ upcoming match is a Europa League group stage clash against Cypriot side Aris Limassol this Thursday. John Bennett, the chairman of the Glasgow club, acknowledged that recent results fell short of expectations, despite Beale having the best win percentage of any permanent Ibrox manager except Ally McCoist.
Bennett stated, “I’d like to express my gratitude to Michael for his dedicated work since rejoining the club as manager last November. It is evident that results have not met the board’s, Michael’s, and our supporters’ expectations. The search for a new manager is already in progress, and I wish Steven Davis and the interim management team success as they take charge until the right appointment is made.”
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