Report: Rangers close in on next manager with three-man shortlist revealed | OneFootball

Rangers Manager Search Enters Final Phase as Decision Looms

As the dust settles on another turbulent season at Ibrox, Rangers find themselves at a pivotal juncture. A new era beckons – one shaped not just by tactics and results, but by vision and identity. According to TEAMtalk, the shortlist to become Rangers’ next permanent manager is now down to three names: Russell Martin, Davide Ancelotti, and a potential return for Steven Gerrard. It’s a decision layered in complexity, ambition, and the haunting echoes of recent missteps.

Russell Martin and the Allure of Possession

At first glance, Russell Martin may not be the obvious choice. His spell at Southampton was far from smooth, with relegation worries clouding much of his tenure. Yet what appeals to Rangers’ new leadership is not the record but the philosophy. Martin’s commitment to a possession-heavy style – honed through Swansea and Southampton – suggests a manager who is methodical and modern.

“Martin – who has long held admiration for the Glasgow giants – has already held initial talks with the Rangers hierarchy,” according to TEAMtalk. His desire to return to his Scottish roots and craft a long-term identity resonates with the club’s vision of a rebuild, particularly one driven by youth development and tactical clarity.

Davide Ancelotti – Legacy Meets Opportunity

On paper, Davide Ancelotti brings glamour. The son of one of football’s most decorated managers, his coaching CV already boasts stints alongside his father at PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. That’s a pedigree few can rival, but the key question remains: can he stand alone?

Rangers reportedly view Ancelotti as a “bold and modern appointment”, one who could inject a fresh outlook into the squad. Yet his lack of senior managerial experience raises legitimate concerns. In a club where pressure is ever-present and patience thin, such a gamble could go either way. That said, “Ancelotti has shown genuine enthusiasm for the project,” suggesting he sees Ibrox not as a step down, but a launchpad.

Gerrard’s Shadow Still Lingers

And then, there’s the familiar figure of Steven Gerrard. For all his recent managerial struggles, his achievements at Rangers – particularly ending Celtic’s stranglehold in 2021 – still hold weight. His name still stirs emotion on both sides of the argument.

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Sources told TEAMtalk: “Gerrard remains a live option,” though it’s far from a consensus decision. His record post-Rangers – an ill-fated stint at Aston Villa and a stint in Saudi Arabia – hasn’t helped his case. Still, there’s a lingering belief that Gerrard understands the unique demands of Ibrox like few others. The concept of “unfinished business” may be romantic, but it’s not without merit.

Rangers’ Future Hinges on Vision, Not Reputation

What’s clear is that the next appointment cannot be a sentimental nod to the past or a blind gamble on potential. With Barry Ferguson ruled out and the board committed to a long-term rebuild, this must be a move rooted in conviction. Rangers crave a manager with “a clear tactical identity, strong developmental instincts, and the ability to bring Rangers back to the summit.”

Whether that’s the progressive Russell Martin, the untested but high-ceiling Ancelotti, or the familiar figure of Gerrard, the decision made in the coming days could shape the club’s trajectory for years. It is not just about competing – it is about reasserting an identity lost in recent chaos.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Rangers supporter’s perspective, this shortlist invites mixed emotions.

Russell Martin appeals as a purist. His commitment to possession-based football is refreshing in a league often dominated by pragmatism. Fans weary of reactive play will likely welcome a manager who wants to dominate the ball and trust youth. But questions about his ability to deliver silverware remain, especially given his record at Southampton.

Davide Ancelotti is perhaps the wildcard. His surname carries undeniable clout, and fans would find the ambition behind such an appointment exciting. But there’s also fear – is Ibrox the place to learn on the job? Rangers have little room for experiments if they’re to challenge Celtic again and restore European stature.

Gerrard’s inclusion is a divisive flashpoint. Some will welcome his return, remembering 2020/21 as a glorious chapter. Others worry it’s a nostalgic move that ignores the need for evolution. His recent record abroad hasn’t done much to inspire confidence.

Ultimately, supporters want clarity, boldness, and a plan. Whoever takes the reins must understand that at Rangers, success isn’t optional – it’s expected. And in this era of transition, that means not just competing with Celtic but redefining the club’s style, youth integration, and European ambitions.