Russell Martin sack: Three managers in contention for Rangers job after Jose Mourinho news

Rangers fans are desperate for Russell Martin to be replaced, but the biggest name on the market is now out of reach.

Jose Mourinho was linked with a sensational move to Rangers after being sacked by Fenerbahce in recent weeks, and this would have been an incredible coup.

While Mourinho has tasted less success in recent years than he did in his prime, he would have commanded a lot more authority than Martin has at Ibrox.

However, news has now emerged that Mourinho is now returning to Portugal to join Benfica, but should Rangers sack Martin, there are three other options who have been linked.

Davide Ancelotti could be available soon

Rangers were in talks with Davide Ancelotti before choosing Martin, and while they may regret that decision now, they have the chance to make amends.

Ancelotti has had a mixed start with Botafogo in Brazil, and he could depart soon. If he does, then he could be available to take the Rangers job.

It remains to be seen whether Ancelotti would be willing to take the job after being snubbed, and a move from Brazil to Glasgow would be a difficult one to make at short notice.

Sean Dyche could bring grit to Rangers

Former Burnley and Everton manager Sean Dyche punched above his weight in the Premier League, and would arrive as an experienced coach who commands a lot of authority.

Dyche's approach to football is the opposite of Martin's: he is simply focused on results and not performances, and is determined to play any way possible to earn points.

His style is more 'old-school' than Martin's, but Dyche could bring a lot of defensive grit and aggression to a Rangers side lacking in both, and he would take no nonsense from a dressing room which has been a problem under several managers.

• Read more: Russell Martin at point of no return at Rangers as Ruben Amorim point made

Steven Gerrard return makes sense

Steven Gerrard is currently out of work after a failed spell in Saudi Arabia, but he still remains the last Rangers manager to win the Scottish Premiership title.

Gerrard is familiar with how Rangers operate, as well as the expectations laid out by fans, which Martin has failed to buy into.

Again, it is unclear whether Gerrard would be open to a return, but he could be the perfect candidate to steady the ship after a woeful start to the season.

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