Rangers play their home games at Ibrox. [Credit: Imago]

Rangers set for 'final decision' on new manager, two managers in running

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

22 May 2025, 4:46 am

Rangers’ managerial hunt is closer to being concluded ahead of the 49ers’ takeover of the Gers.

Barry Ferguson is now set to leave the Rangers dugout after his spell as interim manager.

The former academy star steadied the ship at Ibrox but struggled to nail down a consistent run of form.

However, all eyes are now on who Rangers will appoint as his successor, with the Glaswegians reportedly narrowing the search down to two managers.

Barry Ferguson will no longer stay on as Ranger manager (Credit: Imago)

Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti the final two managers on Rangers’ shortlist

Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard have been heavily linked with Rangers throughout May.

The former coach is currently at Real Madrid and is the assistant under his father, Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti is reportedly still keen on the Rangers job despite talks that he may join the Brazilian national team set-up.

In comparison, Gerrard has been out of work since he left Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in January.

The former Rangers boss has struggled since he left Ibrox and is yet to find success after his Scottish Premiership title in 2021.

Now, according to Guillem Balague (21 May), Rangers have narrowed down the search to just these two managers.

The duo have both been interviewed by the Glaswegians and have had positive interviews.

It is now down to Rangers to make the “final decision” on which manager they will appoint.

Rangers have got a final decision to make

Two names left in the short list. Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti

Both, of course, interested in the job after positive interviews

Who would you go for?
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) May 21, 2025

Rangers must pick Ancelotti over Gerrard

If it is between these two managers for the position at Rangers, then the 49ers must pick Ancelotti over Gerrard.

While the Liverpool legend had a fantastic spell at Ibrox four years ago, he has since struggled, which could spell disaster for the Gers.

Steven Gerrard since leaving Rangers in 2021	Time spent	Win percentage
Aston Villa	2021-22	32.5 per cent
Al-Ettifaq	2023-25	39 per cent

Gerrard has not found success since he left Rangers in 2021

In comparison, despite never taking up a managerial role, Ancelotti has regularly experienced success as an assistant and helped Real Madrid win the Champions League last season.

If Rangers are to topple Celtic’s dominance, they need a born winner. Ancelotti fits this category, while Gerrard’s future in the managerial industry is now in question.

Steven Gerrard

Davide Ancelotti