Rangers’ pursuit of Kevin Muscat collapses | OneFootball

Rangers’ attempt to appoint Kevin Muscat as their new head coach has collapsed, after advanced talks with the former Ibrox defender broke down due to scheduling complications, according to BBC Sport.

Muscat, currently leading Shanghai Port in a tense Chinese Super League title race, was considered the frontrunner to succeed Russell Martin, who was dismissed earlier this month after just 123 days in charge. However, with the Chinese season set to extend into November or December, the timing proved unworkable for both parties.

The 51-year-old Australian, who has built an impressive coaching résumé in Japan and China, was seen by Rangers’ hierarchy as a strong candidate to restore discipline and structure to a faltering campaign. His unavailability, however, represents another setback in the club’s ongoing search for stability.

Former boss Steven Gerrard rejected the opportunity to return, while Danny Röhl, recently of Sheffield Wednesday, also withdrew from consideration. The club remains in discussions with several candidates and expects to make an appointment “within days.”

In the meantime, interim coach Steven Smith continues to lead the side, though results have done little to ease mounting frustration. Rangers sit sixth in the Premiership, with just one win in eight matches and still seeking a first home victory of the season after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United.

Attention now turns to Thursday’s Europa League clash against Brann, where the beleaguered Glasgow club will hope to steady the ship amid growing uncertainty both on and off the pitch.

GFN | Finn Entwistle