Credit: Imago

Dakir Thanveer

Fri 7 March 2025 15:40, UK

Frank Lampard has been touted as an option to take the reins at Rangers when Barry Ferguson steps down as their caretaker manager in the summer.

Ferguson has been tasked with steadying the ship at Ibrox between now and the end of the season, and he is not doing too bad at it, having earned a stunning 3-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie in Istanbul on Thursday, 6 March.

However, the truth is that Rangers are without a permanent manager after sacking Philippe Clement in the wake of a humiliating 2-0 defeat against St Mirren at Ibrox on 22 February.

The Light Blues have seemingly put the decision on hold, with 49ers Enterprises on the cusp of finalising a takeover, after which the likes of Russell Martin and David Wagner will be considered.

Lampard to turn down Rangers switch after interview snub, says James McFadden

Another manager tipped for the managerial job in Govan is Lampard, who was interviewed before Clement was hired in 2023.

However, James McFadden cannot see such an agreement coming to fruition as he reckons the English tactician would no longer be interested in taking charge of the Gers, particularly after being overlooked in 2023, regardless of the change in ownership.

The BBC Scotland pundit also pointed out that Lampard’s Coventry are currently in a playoff spot in the Championship and are, therefore, in the mix for Premier League promotion – something he feels he would prefer over managing in Scotland.

“I don’t think you get Lampard. He’s in the [running for] playoffs”, McFadden said on Open Goal (6 March).

“He interviewed before Clement got it. I know it’s different owners, but for Lampard, he’ll be thinking, ‘That ship’s sailed’.

“For some of the jobs he’s got, he’s been fortunate, but I think he’s been harshly judged on the jobs he has done.

“The Chelsea one, he went into a transfer embargo, had to play all the young players and he got them in the top four.

“He brought through Reece James, Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham… all these players, so I think he was harshly judged on that.

“The Everton job was always going to be tough because the club’s been in a mess.

You wouldn’t be clamouring for Lampard before he did well at Coventry.

“I just think now he has done well, as much as people don’t like to admit it, people want to either play, manage or coach in the Premier League. He’s close to taking Coventry there and showing that he’s actually a good manager.”

Paraag Marathe can convince Lampard over Ibrox switch

McFadden makes a fair point by saying that Lampard would rather manage Coventry in the Premier League than take the reins at Rangers.

However, Paraag Marathe could make a serious effort to convince the Chelsea icon to move to Ibrox if the power brokers there decide he is the right man for the job.

It remains to be seen who the new owners will identify as their ideal candidate to take the team forward.