49ers to trigger ‘biggest Rangers overhaul’ after takeover, new manager emerges
Rangers are bracing for a big summer of change as Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe edge closer to completing a takeover at Ibrox.
It has been known for a while that a US consortium, involving healthcare tycoon Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises president Marathe, has agreed to buy a 51 per cent stake in Rangers.
The Scottish Football Association also appears to be on board with the takeover, meaning it is only a matter of time before the new owners come into power at Ibrox.
They have several big decisions to make once they come into power, with the appointment of a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement topping the list.
Rangers to oversee mass exodus at Ibrox
Barry Ferguson has staked his claim to be the next Rangers manager during his time as their caretaker boss, leading them to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals with a victory over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
However, the former captain’s reputation suffered a major blow after the Light Blues suffered their third consecutive defeat at Ibrox in all competitions against Hibernian on Saturday, 5 April.
| Team (Venue) | Result |
| Kilmarnock (A) | 2-4 loss |
| Motherwell (H) | 1-2 loss |
| Fenerbahce (A) | 3-1 win |
| Fenerbahce (H) | 3-4 loss (win on penalties) |
| Celtic (A) | 3-2 win |
| Dundee FC (A) | 4-3 win |
| Hibernian (H) | 0-2 loss |
Roger Hannah is of the view that Ferguson, like other managers before him, has been let down by several Rangers players.
The Scottish Sun journalist believes the incoming owners will have already taken note of this and will offload the said players without mercy this summer.
He added that the manager the 49ers hire will be tasked with overseeing the “biggest personnel overhaul in Rangers history”.
“I think the new owners of Rangers, when they come into the football club, will have done their due diligence”, Hannah said on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard (7 April).
“They will realise that these players have let down Barry Ferguson and several managers before him, and they will be shown the door.
“Whoever the new manager at Rangers is when 49ers Enterprises take charge, I think he will oversee probably the biggest personnel overhaul in Rangers history.”
49ers to move on from Ferguson
A lot has been said about the possibility of Ferguson claiming the hot seat at Ibrox permanently, with many pundits and journalists naming him as the ideal candidate.
However, it would not be a surprise if Cavenagh and Marathe moved on from the former Gers captain, as they might choose to bring in a more established coach.
The new owners may want to make a statement appointment in the wake of completing their proposed takeover, which means Ferguson could soon be on his way out of Ibrox.
It remains to be seen if he can increase his chances of getting the job for himself between now and the end of the season.