As Philippe Clement comes under increasing pressure, Wayne Rooney has been mentioned as an outside contender to become Rangers’ next manager.
The former Derby County and Plymouth Argyle manager is currently out of work after being fired by the Pilgrims.
Rooney is on the bookmakers’ lengthy list of prospective contenders to follow Clement should Rangers chiefs wield the hatchet on the heels of the 1-0 loss to Queen’s Park.
Philippe Clement is about to be fired by the Rangers.
Clement appears to be on borrowed time at Rangers after the humiliating Scottish Cup defeat at Ibrox on Sunday (9 February).
It was the first time the Gers had lost to a lower-tier team at home in the competition’s history.
Many have already suggested that Clement is on his way out, prompting supporters to speculate on who could be the next manager at Ibrox.
Rooney might be an unusual pick, but so was Steven Gerrard, who led the Gers to their 55th league title in 2021.
And in the perspective of analyst Derek Ferguson – speaking exclusively to Ibrox News – Rooney is a name that may just make sense.
“I quite like the fact that Rooney has put himself out there in terms of managerial jobs, albeit it’s not worked for him,” Ferguson said. “Imagine Gerrard returning to the club as manager, with Rooney as his assistant. Something insane like that, you know?
“Gerrard and Rooney are football men. The one thing kids have immediately is respect for the players.
“Players will listen to guys like that, who have been there and done it. So, who knows. It may seem bizarre, but nothing surprises you in football. I like the sound of that.
Next Rangers manager options
Rooney has won it all as a player, including five Premier League titles with Manchester United.
He had mixed results as a manager with D.C. United and Derby before failing to succeed at Birmingham City and Plymouth.
As Ferguson claims, he would immediately demand respect from the Ibrox dressing room, with every player aware of his achievements on the field.
Beyond outsider Rooney, Gerrard appears to be the early favourite to succeed Clement if he is sacked.
Beyond that, Russell Martin, Gary O’Neil and Sean Dyche have been considered as options. Each will have detractors and supporters, as Rooney does.
Most supporters, however, will want Clement fired and a new CEO in place as soon as possible.
