Rangers: talkSPORT commentator shares reason behind collapsed Frank Lampard talks after Wednesday meeting
Rangers held talks with Frank Lampard earlier this week but pulled the plug on advancing discussions further due to a mixed reaction from supporters, according to talkSPORT commentator Joe Sheehan.
Lampard was previously reported to be one of four candidates in the running to succeed Michael Beale at Ibrox, along with Philippe Clement, Pascal Jansen and Kevin Muscat.
However, Sky Sports among with others reported on Friday (6 October) that the former Everton and Chelsea manager would no longer be considered for the position.
And in an update during talkSPORT’s live coverage of Birmingham City versus West Brom (6 October, 21:15), Sheehan said: “talkSPORT understands tonight that Rangers have removed Frank Lampard from their list of managerial targets after a mixed reaction from fans to his potential appointment.
“We understand he was interviewed for the job on Wednesday and was open to a return to the dugout.
“Rangers are now looking at alternative targets, which include former Rangers defender Kevin Muscat.”
Uninspiring
There had been plenty of talk earlier on Friday (6 October) that Lampard was in strong contention to take over at Ibrox – a decision that did not go down well among many Rangers fans.
On the basis of his work at Everton and Chelsea – the second spell, at least – Lampard hardly seemed like the most exciting option to get the Gers back on the straight and narrow.
Clement, Jansen and former Gers defender Muscat all have their positives and negatives, but supporters will be able to get behind any of the three.
There was certainly no harm in Rangers chiefs holding talks with Lampard, and it would have been interesting to see if those negotiations had advanced further if not for the negativity from the fanbase.
As it is, you’d expect that talks will now ramp up with the other remaining candidates with the aim of having a new man in place at some point next week.
Whoever that is, they will have the backing of the Gers faithful.
In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit has offered a damning verdict following the Europa League loss on Thursday (5 October).