Rangers new manager: 49ers ‘priority’ revealed as shortlist update emerges

Rangers are reportedly eyeing a new manager to kick-start the 49ers Enterprises era at Ibrox next season.

While no decision has been made on Barry Ferguson’s future, he will continue as the manager at least until the end of the season.

He’s already masterminded a win over Celtic and has the chance to secure yet another win in the Old Firm derby this weekend.

Ibrox
Credit: Imago

Kevin Thelwell told to prioritise hiring a new manager

According to the Record on 1 May, finding a new manager is understood to be a “priority” for the 49ers.

While Ferguson has a chance of beating Celtic again, there is a growing feeling that Rangers need an experienced pair of hands to guide them through the takeover and the overhaul that comes with it.

Kevin Thelwell’s job is to shortlist candidates and present them to the new regime, who will then make a final decision about who to hire.

Ferguson’s last five league games
St Mirren (A)2-2
Aberdeen (A)2-2
Hibernian (H)0-2
Dundee (A)3-4
Celtic (A)2-3
Rangers have work to do domestically.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Marco Rose, Jose Mourinho, Rafa Benitez, among others, have all been linked with the Ibrox hot seat.

Thus far, there does not appear to be any clear frontrunner for the job but Thelwell will begin work on a new manager even before the takeover is finalised.

Kevin Thelwell joined from Everton.

Marco Rose could be a decent hire for Rangers

Rose is an ideal candidate for Rangers due to his proven track record and tactical fit.

Renowned for his high-pressing, dynamic 4-2-3-1 system, the Austrian led Red Bull Salzburg to consecutive league titles and impressed at Borussia Monchengladbach, earning a move to Borussia Dortmund.

His ability to develop young talent, such as Erling Haaland and Dominik Szoboszlai, aligns with Rangers’ need to rebuild a competitive squad on a budget.

Rose’s experience in European competitions, including guiding Leipzig to the 2024/25 Champions League, equips him to handle Rangers’ upcoming qualifiers.

His disciplined yet attacking philosophy could galvanise Ibrox, restoring fan confidence and challenging Celtic’s dominance, making him a strategic appointment for Rangers’ new era.