Potential Third Manager in a Year at Rangers
With players expected to report for pre-season training soon, Rangers may be preparing for their third managerial change within a year. Reports indicate that RB Salzburg is in discussions with Danny Rohl to appoint him as their new head coach. Although nothing is confirmed, Rangers supporters are already contemplating the implications of next season without the German coach.
Rohl managed to bring Rangers back into the title race after a difficult start under Russell Martin last season. However, the team's poor finish—losing four of their last five matches to end the season in third place—diminished his standing among many fans.
Interest from clubs in Germany and Austria in the 37-year-old has been ongoing for some time. A departure might be mutually beneficial for both Rohl and Rangers, ending their eight-month association.
If Rohl does leave, what are the possible next steps for Rangers at Ibrox?
Could Steven Gerrard return? Might Hearts head coach Derek McInnes be considered? Or will the club conduct a broader search for a manager capable of revitalizing Rangers?
Could Gerrard Return to Rangers?
Steven Gerrard revealed he was "very close" to returning to Rangers following Russell Martin's dismissal last October, before Rohl was appointed.
"There were a few things I was uncertain about," the former Liverpool captain said in November last year. "And if I'm going to take a challenge that big and that important - I've got that affection and connection with Rangers - for me to take that on again it had to be perfect and I had to be 100% ready."
One factor Gerrard was reportedly uncertain about involved working under the Rangers hierarchy at the time, including sporting director Kevin Thelwell. Although Gerrard has not explicitly stated this, with Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart both dismissed following a poor start to last season, the club's structure has changed significantly.
Rangers have not appointed a direct replacement for Thelwell, which could appeal to Gerrard, who would likely seek greater influence over recruitment decisions.
Gerrard's managerial stints at Aston Villa and Saudi club Al-Ettifaq did not match the impact he had at Ibrox, where fans still regard him highly for delivering the club's last league title in 2021.
"I think I suit a certain job; the passionate crowd - I need to try and feed off that," Gerrard told The Smith Brothers' podcast in December. "Something has to match my skillset, if you know what I mean. I am looking for the right match. Rangers was perfect, I was really close to going up there again."
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh and his consortium's readiness to continue investing in the squad would also be attractive to Gerrard, who expressed frustration over perceived insufficient backing during his initial tenure.
Will McInnes Be Considered?
Derek McInnes, given his experience and success in Scottish football and his playing history with Rangers, has frequently been mentioned as a potential candidate for the managerial position.
He previously declined the opportunity to manage Rangers in 2017, choosing to remain at Aberdeen during a period when Rangers were struggling and Aberdeen were Celtic's primary challengers.
However, persuading McInnes to leave Hearts after nine years, especially following his historic first season at Tynecastle, may prove challenging. Hearts came close to securing their first league title since 1960 before a late defeat to Celtic handed the Premiership crown to their rivals.
Before Rohl's appointment in October, McInnes was asked about the Rangers vacancy but affirmed his commitment to Hearts, even before their remarkable title challenge intensified.
"I love it here," he said. "It's been a long time for me coming here. I always thought this was a job that I wanted to be at. I'm working with some good people.
"I mentioned a few there, the support from [sporting director] Graeme Jones and the board, but the players have been first class in terms of their efforts day in and day out, and, I think for us, we feel we can be successful here, we really do."
McInnes maintains a strong relationship with sporting director Graeme Jones, and with backing from owner Tony Bloom and his data analytics company, it would be difficult to leave the club. This is particularly relevant as Hearts prepare to enter Champions League qualifiers next month.
What About Other Candidates?
Many Rangers supporters may feel that limiting options to Gerrard or McInnes, both well-known figures, could be restrictive. There may be numerous other candidates with international experience and success who Rangers should consider if Rohl departs.
While this is true, there is a limited pool of 'outsiders' who have demonstrated the ability to meet the high expectations at Rangers. Dick Advocaat is among the few exceptions.
Successful management at Rangers or Celtic requires a unique, often intangible quality. An understanding of the demands, the dynamics of Glasgow football, and a commanding presence are essential. This partly explains why both clubs frequently reappoint managers who have previously led the club or played for them.
Russell Martin, despite having played for Rangers, lacked these qualities, which contributed to his struggles.
Rangers may seek their own version of Ange Postecoglou or Jens Berthel Askou. However, given the club's third-place finish in the first year under new ownership and a five-year league title drought, the hierarchy may understandably narrow their search.
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