Rangers news: Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard frontrunners for Ibrox job

Multiple candidates are being assessed by Rangers as they look set to hire a new manager, following the departure of former player and captain, Barry Ferguson.

The Scotsman took interim charge until the end of the season following the sacking of Philippe Clement in February, guiding the team to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Despite signalling his interest in taking the job full-time, the club confirmed the 47-year-old’s departure on Sunday following the final game of the season against Hibernian.

Transfer News Blitz’s writer Adam Beresford examines the potential replacements rumoured to be in the running for the Rangers gig.

Davide Ancelotti

The son of managerial great Carlo Ancelotti, he has followed in his father’s footsteps, working alongside him at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid as assistant manager. 

However, with the Los Blancos legend set to take over the Brazilian national team, a move elsewhere could now be on the cards for Davide Ancelotti.

Rangers are currently undergoing a takeover led by a consortium including Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group, aiming to acquire a 51% stake in the Scottish giants – who have expressed admiration for the work of the Italian.

Ancelotti’s man-management skills and structured attacking style could be exactly what Rangers fans are looking for in their team.

At 35-years-old, he has never managed a club independently, and the high-pressure environment at Ibrox, with its intense weekly scrutiny, could present significant challenges for a first-time manager.

Russell Martin

Russell Martin is one of the many candidates for the new role at the Scottish Premiership side.

The ex-Rangers player has been out of work since December, following his termination at Premier League side Southampton after a poor start to the season.

Martin has vast experience in English football with successful roles at Swansea City and with the Saints in the Championship. 

His play-off final victory with Southampton shows Rangers fans he can perform under intense pressure.

Martin’s style embraces modern traditions of controlling possession combined with a high-risk, high-reward approach.

While Martin is well-regarded for his style of play, however, the risks involved – combined with his lack of major silverware – may concern Rangers fans expecting proven success.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Tottenham analysis: AI predicts Spurs sign Crystal Palace and England duo Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton this summer

Steven Gerrard

Could we see a return to the Ibrox dugout for former Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard? 

The ex-midfield maestro turned manager masterminded the club’s 55th top-flight title, ending Celtic’s quest for a 10th consecutive Premiership crown.

Since his move from Rangers, success has been hard to find for the 44-year-old, having had poor spells at both Aston Villa and Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq.

Having an intimate knowledge of the club could be a key advantage for Gerrard.

His proven success and strong connection with the fans are likely important factors for the new owners’ decision.

While Gerrard appears to be a great fit, he will need to improve recent results and deliver silverware back to the blue side of Glasgow.

Keep up with all the latest news, rumours and betting tips with Transfer News Blitz, and follow us across our social platforms on Facebook, X and BlueSky.

READ MORE: Arsenal News: Gunners targeting ‘highly rated’ Espanyol and Spain goalkeeper Joan Garcia