Rangers ‘masterstroke’ on the cards in new Gary O’Neil development
Rangers could save millions if they end up hiring former Wolves and Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil.
Barry Ferguson appears set to leave at the end of the season, once his interim stint at Ibrox ends.
The San Francisco 49ers are on the cusp of the takeover and want to hire a new manager once they secure their majority stake.
O’Neil makes perfect sense for Rangers
Rangers should prioritise hiring O’Neil as their next manager due to his proven Premier League experience, tactical adaptability and immediate availability without compensation costs.
O’Neil, recently sacked by Wolverhampton Wanderers in December 2024, led Wolves to a 14th-place finish in 2023/24, with notable wins over Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham, demonstrating his ability to compete against top-tier opposition.
His earlier success at AFC Bournemouth, securing Premier League survival in 2022/23 after a six-game unbeaten run as caretaker, highlights his knack for stabilising teams under pressure, crucial for Gers, who lost the title to Celtic by a significant margin.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points | Points Per Match (PPM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 20 | 11 | 32 | 94 | 117 | 71 | 1.13 |
The Englishman’s extensive playing career, with 214 Premier League appearances and EFL Championship experience, equips him with the leadership and resilience needed to navigate Ibrox’s high-stakes environment.
The Telegraph reported that O’Neil is on the long list among many other managers.
Danny Rohl would unnecessarily be an expensive option for the Ibrox outfit
Unlike Danny Rohl, another target, O’Neil’s top-flight managerial record contrasts with Rohl’s experience, which is limited to the EFL Championship with Sheffield Wednesday.
While Rohl’s high-pressing style is promising, his untested status in elite competitions and a £5million compensation fee due to his contract until 2027 make him a riskier, costlier option.
O’Neil, being unattached, incurs no such fees, allowing Rangers to allocate funds to squad investment amid financial constraints post-takeover.
His blend of Premier League pedigree, tactical nous, and cost-effectiveness makes O’Neil the ideal candidate to restore Rangers’ dominance.
He also would like to get silverware as a manager and Gers can offer him the platform to do just that.