Rangers work permit issues now on the cards as new name for Ibrox manager’s job emerges
Rangers have been without a manager since the sacking of Russell Martin.
Eight days have passed since Martin faced the axe at Ibrox, with several names already emerging as potential candidates to replace him, and attempt to rebuild the mess that he has left.
Steven Gerrard was heavily linked with a return, though those negotiations collapsed fairly quickly, with Danny Rohl also on the list of potential replacements, and that would be a good appointment, contrary to the beliefs of many.
However, on Sunday, a new name entered the fold, and should the Light Blues opt to go down that route, they could face issues.
Raphael Wicky emerges as Rangers option
On Sunday afternoon, Chris Jack reported via the Rangers Review that Raphael Wicky is now a candidate for the Rangers job.
Wicky, 48, has been out of management ever since leaving Young Boys in 2024, after a successful stint in Switzerland.
He won the Swiss Super League and Cup in the same campaign, which led him to being linked with several jobs in English football, including West Brom and Sunderland.
In fact, right at the start of the year, Wicky looked all but set to take over at West Brom, only for the move to fall through at the very last hurdle as a result of his backroom staff failing to obtain visas.
Of course, should Rangers pursue their interest in the 48-year-old, there is every chance that he would want to take those staff with him to Ibrox.
Should that be the case, the Gers could face a similar issue that prevented his hire at The Hawthorns.
Who is Raphael Wicky?
Rangers fans wanted Gerrard to return; that much was clear.
As a result, any appointment now is going to be met with an immediate cloud of intrigue, and that would include Wicky.
He started his coaching career 16 years ago, with several spells in Switzerland, though his only honours arrived in the season before he was relieved of his duty at Young Boys.
Wicky’s record at Young Boys
- 88 games between July 2022 and March 2024
- 51 wins
- 20 draws
- 17 losses
- 41 players used
Throughout his time there, he averaged 1.97 points per game, which was a return only bettered by his short stint in charge of the United States Under-17s in 2019.
While he was at times questioned for his tactical set-up, his sides had an identity, which is not something you could have said about Rangers under Martin.
However, at this stage, he is just one of several names mooted for the job, with a big few days ahead.
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