Rangers have turned their full attention to former Millwall player Kevin Muscat after Danny Röhl withdrew from the club’s managerial search.
The Scottish giants are desperate to appoint a new boss quickly following Russell Martin’s sacking last week, with Muscat emerging as the frontrunner this Thursday amid a turbulent recruitment process that has also seen Steven Gerrard rule himself out.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Rangers’ search for a new manager has entered a crucial phase, with Röhl informing the board he is no longer in contention. The 36-year-old, who led Sheffield Wednesday to Championship safety last season, reportedly cooled his interest after talks with Ibrox chiefs, following a similar decision by former manager Gerrard earlier in the week.
Attention has now shifted firmly to 52-year-old Australian coach Kevin Muscat, currently in charge of Shanghai Port in China. Muscat, a former Millwall defender who also played at Ibrox during the 2002–03 treble-winning campaign, has won league titles across three countries and is well regarded for his intense, front-foot style of play. He has made no secret of his ambition to manage in Britain and remains open to taking a pay cut to make the move happen.
Rangers are working to finalise the appointment of Kevin Muscat as their new head coach.
The Rangers Review revealed last night that Danny Rohl had withdrawn from the process.https://t.co/tnWkabQlIH pic.twitter.com/ULkbU9ApJK
— Chris Jack (@Chris_Jack89) October 16, 2025
The main obstacle is timing. Muscat’s Shanghai Port side sit top of the Chinese Super League with just four games remaining, and his contract runs until the end of November. That leaves Rangers facing the possibility of appointing an interim manager to oversee fixtures against Dundee United, Brann, Kilmarnock, Hibernian and Celtic before Muscat could feasibly take charge.
Inside Ibrox, confidence is said to be growing that a deal can be struck, with chairman Andrew Cavenagh, vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell leading negotiations. Former teammate Neil McCann has been discussed as a potential caretaker option should Muscat’s arrival be delayed.
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
The move towards Muscat represents both ambition and risk for Rangers. His track record — A-League champion with Melbourne Victory, J-League winner with Yokohama F. Marinos and current title favourite in China — fits the club’s requirement for a proven winner. However, prising him away from Asia mid-season will test the new Ibrox hierarchy’s resolve and resources.
Fun Fact: Alex McLeish had to ban Kevin Muscat from playing in Old Firm matches because he knew he’d get sent off.
“I’ll never forgive Alex McLeish for not playing me in an Old Firm game, but in the nicest way possible.”
He hates The Celtic just as much as we do.
Get him in. pic.twitter.com/1q9iPx0Hwf
— RFC (@SpursWinTrophys) October 13, 2025
Supporters are expected to welcome the appointment. Muscat’s reputation as a disciplinarian and his past connection to Rangers appeal to a fanbase disillusioned by Martin’s short, fractious tenure. The former boss lasted only 123 days before dismissal, leaving the club eighth in the Premiership, 11 points behind leaders Hearts and nine adrift of rivals Celtic after just seven league games. Two opening Europa League defeats have compounded the mood.
If Muscat’s appointment materialises, it would mark a symbolic homecoming for a manager steeped in the club’s culture but shaped by success abroad. His methods are aggressive, possession-based and physically demanding — a style that aligns with the expectations of a Rangers side looking to reassert authority domestically and in Europe.
For now, the timeline is the biggest challenge. Shanghai Port’s season ends on 22 November, leaving Rangers with eight fixtures to navigate in the meantime. Yet Muscat’s winning pedigree and deep ties to Ibrox make him the candidate most likely to unite the club behind a clear direction once again.
