Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Thu 24 April 2025 17:10, UK

Rangers are likely to have a considerable list of potential managers lined up by the imminent new American ownership group when they arrive at Ibrox.

Barry Ferguson has taken charge on an interim basis and helped provide some superb days as well as difficult ones since replacing Philippe Clement in February.

Alongside the late, great victory at Celtic Park in the last Old Firm (16 March), the overcoming of a Fenerbahce side masterminded by Jose Mourinho is also a bold bullet point on Ferguson’s replenished coaching CV.

With Mourinho’s future in Istanbul hanging in the balance, it could be possible he moves on this summer – leading some to dream of an appointment at Ibrox – but the decorated Portuguese will never be short of lucrative options.

Alan Brazil makes Mourinho claim as working for 49ers debated

Alan Brazil rubbished the idea of Mourinho managing Rangers on Wednesday night (23 April) after European football broadcaster Kevin Hatchard mulled over the prospect of a jaw-dropping move to Ibrox.

Now, Brazil has spoken of the potential of Mourinho joining Leeds United, who have just secured promotion back to the Premier League under Daniel Farke.

However, the Daily Mail claims Farke’s job is in doubt even despite the promotion due to his unconvincing prior record in the Premier League, and Mourinho has been considered to much prefer a shot at Elland Road rather than Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

Interestingly, should Rangers be taken over by the new American consortium anytime soon, part-owners 49ers Enterprises would share Gers and Leeds among their sporting empire.

The two clubs could then work more closely together moving forward, including with player transfers and development.

“Mourinho, would he go into one of the three coming up [to the Premier League]? Would he fancy Rangers ahead of Leeds, no chance,” Brazil said live on talkSPORT (24 April, 06:28).

“No, 100 per cent,” co-host Gabby Agbonlahor agreed.

Rangers must get managerial appointment right

For too long now have Rangers made the wrong long-term managerial appointments, leading to them stagnating as they look to compete with Celtic for the domestic honours.

The Light Blues have barely progressed on the pitch since their title in 2021 while their bitter rivals have invested heavily and scooped trophies – and that has combined with chaotic goings-on upstairs at Ibrox.

Ferguson was the right man to come in temporarily and steady the ship, even with his limited coaching experience, due to his Rangers DNA, so to speak. He brought in staff who fully understand Gers, the fans and the demands.

However, should the new regime be willing to splash out considerable funds for a top-calibre coach, Ferguson could find himself out of a job.

Mourinho – who fell victim to Ferguson just last month – could still be out of their reach, but what a story it would turn out to be.