Two weeks after Russell Martin’s departure, Rangers remain without a permanent head coach, and the search to appoint his successor has descended into confusion and frustration. What began as a strategic recruitment process has instead exposed internal dysfunction at the club’s highest level.
Former manager Steven Gerrard was approached about a potential return but declined due to concerns over timing and the club’s current direction. Danny Röhl, recently of Sheffield Wednesday, initially withdrew after discussions but is now reportedly under consideration once again. Meanwhile, a deal to appoint Kevin Muscat collapsed at the weekend, with the Shanghai Port manager unwilling to leave before the conclusion of the Chinese Super League season.
On the field, matters have been no better. A 2–2 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox did little to lift the mood among supporters already angry with chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell over what many view as a mismanaged and chaotic recruitment process.
Discontent among the fanbase has intensified, with many accusing the current leadership of incompetence and damaging the club’s reputation.
Callum: “This is becoming the worst embarrassment in Scottish football history. If Thelwell and Stewart are the problem, they must go. Three managers in a week have turned us down—shocking.”
Michael: “Thelwell and Stewart are demanding too much control over first-team affairs. If Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe wanted Gerrard and Muscat, the deals should have been done.”
Isobel: “The club knew Muscat’s situation from the start. Trying to rush it showed arrogance and incompetence. The management team, including the Americans, have dragged a proud club into the gutter.”
Neil: “It’s obvious—any manager who wants control over recruitment won’t work with Thelwell. The owners must step in and take responsibility.”
Stuart: “I’ve supported this club for decades and this is the worst I’ve seen. Poor decisions from the board, poor recruitment, poor leadership. Stewart and Thelwell must go.”
Sonny: “Sack the board. The Americans have made this club more of a mess than before. We’re a laughing stock.”
Brian: “This is a total shambles. Stewart and Thelwell couldn’t organise a pantomime, let alone run Rangers.”
Alexander: “If these two are preventing appointments, they need to go. Rangers are too big to be run like this. Empty seats at Ibrox might be the only thing that gets the owners’ attention.”
With frustration rising and candidates slipping away, supporters are divided over the next manager—though many are calling for a figure with strong ties to the club.
Edward: “Why not David Martindale? He’s done a great job at Livingston.”
Stephen: “Ange is free!”
Gavin: “Total shambles. But with Ange Postecoglou available, bring him in—he knows Glasgow.”
Chico: “We need to bring Ally McCoist back and rebuild. Stop hiring short-term coaches who can’t handle the pressure.”
Elyag: “Reappoint Giovanni van Bronckhorst. He should never have been sacked.”
Michael: “Give it to Barry Ferguson. He cares and did well as interim manager before.”
Ian: “It’s obvious—Ferguson. He brings pride, passion and understands the club. No more second-rate candidates.”
John: “I’d go for Stephen Robinson or Jim Goodwin. They’ve done well with smaller clubs and would bring character and stability.”
The prolonged search for a new manager has exposed deeper structural concerns at Rangers. Fans are demanding accountability, clarity, and leadership—qualities they currently feel are missing at board level. Until decisive action is taken, both on and off the pitch, the club risks further turmoil and a widening disconnect between supporters and decision-makers.
The next appointment must restore not only stability, but also faith. Failure to do so could deepen what many already consider a full-blown crisis at one of Scotland’s most historic clubs.
