Pranav Shahaney

Mon 24 February 2025 18:10, UK

Rangers have hired Barry Ferguson until the end of the season but are already planning for their new permanent manager.

Philippe Clement’s time at Ibrox was untenable and the club decided to part ways with him.

Given the backdrop of the San Francisco 49ers’ takeover saga, they opted to make an interim rather than a long-term appointment.

Gers plan to bring in David Wagner or Derek McInnes

Former Huddersfield Town and Schalke manager David Wagner was linked with the Ibrox hot seat over the past few hours.

However, the board decided against making an approach for him now, but interest in him exists and is expected to be pursued in the summer.

Along with Wagner, Derek McInnes is the other manager to be considered by the club in the summer with the takeover expected to be completed by then, per Ben Jacobs.

The former Premier League manager will arrive highly recommended and has also been lauded by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Back in 2019, the Spaniard said: “He did an incredible job because in the circumstances it’s not easy to compete in the Premier League with the players they have and the amount of players.”

Rangers must consider hiring David Wagner in the summer

Wagner is certainly a compelling managerial choice for the Ibrox at the end of the season, bringing a mix of tactical acumen, proven success and adaptability that aligns with the club’s ambitions.

The Germany born American boss, best known for guiding Huddersfield Town to the Premier League in 2017 via the Championship playoffs on a modest budget, has demonstrated an ability to overachieve with limited resources.

This will be a vital feather in his cap given Rangers’ financial constraints relative to rivals like Celtic.

His high-pressing and energetic style of play could reinvigorate a squad that appears fatigued from a challenging campaign, injecting dynamism into their domestic and European performances.

Wagner’s experience in the English Championship and Premier League, as well as his stint at Norwich City, equips him to handle the intense scrutiny and pressure of managing in Glasgow, where fan expectations are unrelenting.

Additionally, his time under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund suggests a modern, progressive approach to coaching, potentially appealing to Rangers’ need to evolve beyond traditional Scottish football norms.

While his recent departure from Norwich in 2024 might raise questions, it also means he’d be available and motivated to prove himself at a club of Rangers’ stature.

The 53-year-old could stabilise the club and lay the groundwork for a competitive resurgence in the Scottish Premiership and beyond.