Rangers are delaying the selection of a permanent manager until the proposed 49ers Enterprises takeover is finalised, but they must begin work as soon as possible.
Rangers were forced to fire Philippe Clement after a humiliating 2-0 loss to St Mirren at Ibrox, just days after it was revealed that a consortium fronted by Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises and Leeds United is in advanced talks about acquiring the club.
The Light Blues swiftly appointed Barry Ferguson as their new head coach until the end of the season, and the former captain guided them to a 4-2 win over Kilmarnock on Wednesday, February 26.
With conversations about acquiring a controlling stake still ongoing, a decision on Clement’s permanent replacement has yet to be made.
Michael Gannon delivers the Ferguson verdict amid 49ers takeover.
The potential of Ferguson being in charge of Rangers beyond this season has sparked speculation in some quarters, with Michael Gannon stating that the choice will ultimately be made by the new owners and their visit to the Ibrox club.
He believes that the Glasgow giants should “think outside the box” when hiring a new manager, citing Celtic’s recruitment of Ange Postecoglou in 2021 as an example.
The writer entrusted the potential new owners with hiring a manager with a certain playing style and the ability to break down teams that make it “awkward” for Premier League heavyweights.
“I think it all depends on the takeover, and what they see as the vision for the club,” Gannon stated on the Daily Record’s Game On show (February 28).
“I believe Rangers should think outside the box and get someone like Ange Postecoglou.
“A guy who knows it and has got a certain style that can beat down teams about, trying to be awkward against them in Scotland.”
Marathe breaks silence on Rangers takeover
There are no confirmations regarding a takeover yet, but it is certain that negotiations are at an advanced stage, going by all the media reports.
Speaking at the Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit on 26 February, Marathe broke his silence on the proposed takeover of Rangers, revealing that the 49ers are looking at opportunities to replicate what they have done at Leeds.
However, he remained coy on the prospect of coming into power at Ibrox, refusing to comment on “whatever rumours might be out there”.
