Rangers to get answer on new manager by 30 May as Cavenagh lines up household name
Andrew Cavenagh has zeroed in on a key managerial candidate for Rangers ahead of his proposed takeover.
With the 2024-25 season drawing to a close on Saturday (17 May), the Light Blues have turned their attention towards hiring a new manager and may not wait until the takeover led by Cavenagh is finalised.
While the takeover by the US consortium involving the 49ers Enterprises could drag on until mid-June, Rangers are working towards getting clarity over the manager situation by the end of May.
Davide Ancelotti has been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox in recent days, while other candidates, including Steven Gerrard, have also been mentioned.
Ancelotti timeline emerges at Ibrox
It has now emerged that Ancelotti is indeed a key target for the incoming owners at Rangers.
The Real Madrid assistant manager has held positive talks over taking the reins at Ibrox, according to Chris Jack.
The journalist reported via the Rangers Review website on Thursday (15 May) that the Italian tactician will make a decision by the end of the month.
| Club | Role | Tenure |
| Real Madrid | Assistant Manager | 2021-2025 |
| Everton | Assistant Manager | 2019-2021 |
| Napoli | Assistant Manager | 2018-2019 |
| Bayern Munich | Assistant Manager | 2016-2017 |
Ancelotti is set to depart Real Madrid when his father, Carlo Ancelotti, leaves to take charge of the Brazil national team at the end of the season.
While the 35-year-old is also tipped to link with Brazil for the time being, he could be in line to pursue a managerial career of his own.
Apart from Rangers, Ancelotti has also attracted interest from other clubs in different leagues.
There have been claims that the Ibrox outfit have already made an offer to the former Everton coach, although those have now been dismissed.
However, Ancelotti will not wait for other clubs to make a proposal if he feels Rangers is the right project for him.
Rangers want Ancelotti at helm
While there have been contradicting claims about Rangers’ interest in Ancelotti, it is now evident that Cavenagh and the 49ers are genuinely sold on the idea of hiring him.
The Italian’s lack of experience as a first-team manager is a concern, but it is worth noting that he has built a reputation for his tactical acumen, especially in set-pieces.
If things go according to plan, Ancelotti could be the right candidate to help Rangers usurp Celtic at the top of the Scottish football pyramid again.