Rangers’ owners have dumped Stewart and Thelwell’s plans | OneFootball

The saga around the Rangers manager search has taken a bold turn. In recent days the focus shifted sharply. Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe may have floated names to Stewart and Thelwell. Yet T & S’s pushing of names like Carrick and McKenna appears to have failed. The owners want someone they regard as serious and driven like Kevin Muscat.

The failed targets and shifting allegiances

Initially the hierarchy circulated poorly regarded names such as Michael Carrick and Keiran McKenna. Those choices lacked trust and failed to stir confidence. Moreover neither candidate earned support inside Ibrox. Thus the owners began to lean toward more credible figures. Stewart and Thelwell may have entered discussions as part of an early move. However their suggestions did not last long. Meanwhile Cavenagh and Marathe quietly tested the waters. Yet in recent hours those names seem sidelined. In short the earlier targets appear dumped.

Owners reassert control

It looks apparent that the Rangers manager search still lies firmly in the hands of the owners. They act behind closed doors and drive direction and strategy. They demand ambition. They want a man capable of commanding respect at Ibrox and across Scottish football. Therefore emerging links to Kevin Muscat carry weight and interest. The owners may see him as someone who will deliver stability and growth. They refuse to settle for a caretaker nor a name chosen by committees.

Why Muscat now tops the list

Kevin Muscat offers pedigree and substance. He brings experience in pressure and a clear style. Thus he meets the demands the board now places on a new boss. Additionally he signals serious intent to supporters. He stands apart from earlier bumbling names. Moreover his appointment would reset standards at Rangers. The owners could make a statement by hiring him.

In sum the Rangers managerial target narrative has evolved sharply. It shifted from soft options like Carrick and McKenna to more forceful names like Muscat. In doing so the owners reassert their influence over the hunt. They appear determined not to let agents or insiders dictate direction. The final decision may rest solely with them. The Rangers manager search now centers on delivering a leader with real strength. In that context Kevin Muscat appears most likely to win support and appointment.