Michael Stewart details 49ers plans on new Rangers manager post takeover
Michael Stewart expects a number of incomings should the San Francisco 49ers complete their takeover of Rangers.
With Gers hiring Barry Ferguson on an interim basis, they have kicked the can further down the road for a permanent appointment.
David Wagner and Derek McInnes have both been touted as potential options the club will be looking at come the summer.
Steven Gerrard may not be the best option for Rangers in the summer
Stewart admits that the NFL franchise’s owners may look for better options than Steven Gerrard, who’s also been linked with a return to Ibrox.
He believes that it will be difficult to rebuild a side under Gerrard if the budget is not too high.
The former Hearts midfielder believes that the 49ers will be looking for a headliner.
He told Premier Sports Football Club on 24 February: “The most important thing for Rangers is getting that 49ers investment arm takeover, because that is what will give them their foundations to genuinely go and compete. You could bring Steven Gerrard back as much as you want, but if you are trying to build on a decreasing budget within the squad, it is very, very difficult.
“With the 49ers investment arm coming in, that is the most important thing. When they get that and everything else behind the scenes on point, then you can get the figurehead to come in.
“I don’t think a lot of those names would be brought in if the 49ers investment arm comes in. They’ll be looking for a headliner.”
Patrick Stewart must cast his managerial scouting net far and wide
Stewart’s assertion that the 49ers Enterprises will aim for a big-name managerial appointment at Ibrox, contingent on their takeover, aligns with the club’s need to elevate their ambitions.
The 49ers, with their deep pockets and experience managing the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, bring a level of financial muscle and strategic vision that Rangers have lacked in recent years.
Gerrard, while a legend for ending Celtic’s dominance by winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021, isn’t the pinnacle of managerial talent.
His subsequent stint at Aston Villa showed inconsistent results, and there are more accomplished managers who could offer greater tactical nous and long-term success.
This is why Patrick Stewart needs to cast his scouting net far and wide and not go for local names or ones easily available.
| Team | Position | Points |
| Celtic | 1st | 69 |
| Rangers | 2nd | 56 |
| Aberdeen | 3rd | 41 |
| Dundee United | 4th | 37 |
The 49ers’ investment could transform Rangers into a club with a competitive budget, not just in Scotland but in Europe, making it an attractive project for a top-tier manager.
The ideal appointment would signal intent, boost fan morale, and maximise the squad’s potential, especially if paired with improved recruitment.
Settling for nostalgia with Gerrard risks stagnation, whereas a bold hire could capitalize on the 49ers’ resources to challenge Celtic domestically and make waves continental.
It’s a pragmatic move for a club craving sustained glory.