Rangers turn to manager on ‘lucrative’ wages as Paraag Marathe faces ‘huge pressure’ at Ibrox
Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe are reportedly under “huge pressure” to hire the right manager to take charge at Rangers.
Steven Gerrard has walked away from talks with the Rangers board after deciding that now isn’t the right time for him to return to Ibrox.
Russell Martin was sacked over a week ago after a woeful start to the 2025-26 season and Danny Rohl is now a front-runner to become the next man in charge.
Graham Potter, Gary O’Neil, Michael Carrick, Kieran McKenna, Raphael Wicky and Slaven Bilic have been linked with taking over but it is understood that none of them are being considered at this time.
Kevin Muscat ‘serious contender’ to be next Rangers manager
However, Kevin Muscat still is, with the Shanghai Port manager “admired” by the Rangers ownership.
According to the Scottish Sun, Ibrox chiefs are impressed by Muscat’s record in China and even though he’s not available right away, he’s a “serious contender” for the job.
Muscat is on a “lucrative” and “tax-free” contract at Shanghai Port, who are currently top of the Chinese Super League with four games left to play until the 2025 season finishes.
The Scottish Sun adds that Muscat’s situation in Shanghai has added an extra layer of complexity to talks over hiring him as Martin’s successor.
However, despite the fact that he’s unavailable for several weeks, chairman Cavenagh and vice-chairman Marathe are keen on him still.
For now, ex-Sheffield Wednesday manager Rohl is in the frame after holding talks with Rangers’ top brass.
Rohl is currently out of work and is widely reported to be the front-runner at this stage.
When could Rangers hire Kevin Muscat if they hold out?
Muscat would no doubt be interested in being the next Rangers manager – but he would be out of his mind to quit on Shanghai Port now when they’re so close to winning the Chinese Super League.
With four games left to play, the SIPG-owned club are two points clear at the top of the table.
It’s a tight race for the title, with Chengdu Rongcheng, Shanghai Shenua and Beijing Guoan all within six points of Muscat’s league-leading side.
| Club | Matches played | Goal difference | Points |
| 1. Shanghai Port | 26 | +25 | 57 |
| 2. Chengdu Rongcheng | 26 | +31 | 55 |
| 3. Shanghai Shenua | 26 | +28 | 54 |
| 4. Beijing Guoan | 26 | +18 | 51 |
Shanghai Port’s remaining games are against Qingdao Hainiu (17 October), Shandong Yaishan (26 October), Zhejiang (31 October) and Dalian Zhizing (22 November).
That means that Muscat could be willing to accept the Rangers job from after 22 November, which is around six weeks away.
Can the Gers wait that long before hiring a new permanent boss?
It seems unlikely.
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