Kevin Muscat was ‘going to get Rangers job’ before massive twist at Ibrox
Rangers have already been linked with many names as the search for a new permanent manager at Ibrox begins.
Although Barry Ferguson is still in his position as interim boss, the 49ers Enterprises will likely appoint someone new when their takeover is completed.
Plenty of names have been thrown about in Glasgow, and someone seemingly popular with supporters is Kevin Muscat.
Muscat was close to Rangers’ job
The 49ers are eager to get their first managerial appointment at Rangers right, with high expectations over what the future will look like under the new owners.
The supporters, who felt they were forced to put up with Philippe Clement for too long, will be eager for someone they can get behind, too.
Ferguson is well-loved at Ibrox for all that he did as a player in Light Blue, but his tenure at the helm has not been successful enough to make him a convincing appointment for Rangers.
Muscat has been linked with the managerial role, despite claiming he is happy where he is, managing Shanghai Port in China.
However, supporters may feel frustrated with their current ownership after it has been revealed just how close the former player was to the job before Clement’s appointment.
Speaking on the PLZ Football Podcast (14 May), Tam McManus revealed: “You know what? I spoke to Craig Moore at Hamilton races just before Philippe Clement got the job, and Craig Moore, I think, is friendly with him.
“I don’t know if it’s his agent or something, and Craig Moore told me that Muscat was getting the job, so.
“It was out of Muscat and Philippe Clement. They were neck and neck, and they eventually gave the job to Philippe Clement.”
Rangers looking forward at Ibrox
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and looking back, supporters will no doubt be wishing that the hierarchy had opted for Muscat rather than Clement.
Who knows where the club would have been?
| Clement Last Five | Results |
| Rangers v St Mirren | 0-2 |
| Hearts v Rangers | 1-3 |
| Rangers v Queen’s Park | 0-1 |
| Rangers v Ross County | 4-0 |
| Rangers v USG | 2-1 |
Nevertheless, the prospective takeover in Glasgow is certainly a reason to feel optimistic, and the new American investors will be eager to get the decision right about who takes the Ibrox club forward.
Davide Ancelotti has been heavily linked with a move to Rangers, although it could be a big risk to appoint a manager who would be taking his first job as a boss.
Similarly, though, it has to be an exciting appointment that allows things to get well underway ahead of a big season in the Scottish Premiership.