Rangers are looking towards a new manager target who could bring a traditional front two back to Ibrox.
It looked all but guaranteed to be Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool legend was telling Rio Ferdinand all about his desire to return to management and talks were held with Rangers, only for their managerial search to continue after his rejection. Back to square one, Kevin Thelwell’s miserable start to life at Ibrox doesn’t look like ending anytime soon and questions are already surrounding his position as sporting director.
Just where Rangers go from here is the big question. After their main candidate rejected them, the likes of Danny Rohl have already been mentioned as potential alternatives.
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss performed miracles at times in his last role, with circumstances away from the pitch often limiting his resources and disrupting things. Now, in search of his next coaching position, Rangers could yet come calling.
The German was a candidate before Rangers chose to hire Martin in the summer, so they should know all about his expertise. Whether the Gers choose to turn towards a 36-year-old in their current circumstances remains to be seen, however.
The last thing that the 49ers need is for their second appointment to go as badly as the first. Whilst Rohl is a manager full of potential, Rangers must steady the ship first and foremost which may see them go in another direction. If that does prove to be the case, then a new name could yet take the vacant job.
Raphael Wicky joins Rangers shortlist
As reported by TeamTalk, Rangers are now considering a move for Raphael Wicky. The 48-year-old – 12 years Rohl’s senior – most recently took charge of Young Boys from 2022 to 2024 and maintained a points-per-game record of 1.97. It stands out as his most impressive role, given that he became a Swiss champion and cup winner during his time at the club.
A similar age to Gerrard and a league winner like the former Liverpool man, Wicky could make perfect sense, and according to Transfermarkt would bring a 4-4-2 formation to Ibrox, with the slight tweak of a diamond midfield.
There would be a sense of unknown, but it’s the same kind that Rangers arguably had when hiring an inexperienced Gerrard back in 2019, before he won the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox in 2021.
When it comes to Wicky’s system, Rangers can expect to start with two out and out strikers under the Swiss manager, which could see starts for both Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti as the Gers aim to finally get their attack firing on all cylinders.
So, whilst Wicky doesn’t stand out as the most well-known option, he is certainly an interesting candidate. He is still developing his trade, but doesn’t lack experience as a title-winner and that should hand the 49ers something to consider.
