Rangers Football Club is intensifying its efforts to secure Kevin Muscat as their new manager after Danny Röhl withdrew from the selection process. Röhl's decision leaves Muscat as the frontrunner to take over at Ibrox, although the appointment is not without its complications.
Röhl, who recently departed from Sheffield Wednesday, is the second candidate to remove his name from consideration after engaging in detailed discussions with the Rangers board; Steven Gerrard also pulled out of the running. Sources indicate growing confidence within Rangers that a deal for Muscat can be reached.
The Rangers hierarchy turned their attention to Muscat, a former Rangers player, earlier this week. Appointing the Australian, however, presents some challenges. Muscat is currently under contract with Shanghai Port, who are leading the Chinese Super League with four games remaining. Rangers would need to pay a seven-figure compensation fee to Shanghai Port to secure his release. Muscat is expected to remain in charge of Shanghai Port until the end of their season on November 22.
Muscat, 52, would likely need to accept a pay cut to join Rangers. However, he is reportedly keen to manage in Britain, having previously managed Melbourne Victory, Sint-Truiden in Belgium, and Yokohama F. Marinos. Despite leaving Rangers in 2003, he has maintained a connection with the club. He won a domestic treble with Rangers in 2003. He has also won titles in Australia and Japan with Melbourne Victory and Yokohama F Marinos respectively.
There was concern within Ibrox that Röhl's potential appointment would be met with a lukewarm reception from fans. This unease influenced the decision-making process within the club. Muscat is considerably more popular among Rangers fans due to his prior connection with the club.
With Shanghai Port's season concluding on November 22, Rangers may consider appointing an interim manager until Muscat is available. Neil McCann's name has been mentioned as a possibility for interim charge.
The appointment of a new manager comes after Russell Martin's dismissal on Sunday, following a brief and turbulent 123-day tenure marked by persistent fan negativity. The Rangers Review reports that Röhl was interviewed last week and was eager to begin working in time for this Saturday's Scottish Premiership match against Dundee United. However, he now feels the timing is not right for him to continue in the process.
