Rangers’ probable new owners 49ers Enterprises are prepared to make the final decision on a replacement for Philippe Clement following his departure from Ibrox.
That is according to former Manchester United senior scout and former Sir Alex Ferguson number two Mick Brown, who is still very well-connected in the league and has told Football Insider that the new owners want their own man in charge.
Rangers fired Clement following a 2-0 loss to St Mirren, leaving them 13 points behind Celtic in the SPFL and out of the Scottish Cup.
Former Gers midfielder Barry Ferguson has taken over on an interim basis until the conclusion of the season, when the club will look for a permanent replacement.
However, Brown revealed that work on Clement’s prospective permanent replacement has already begun behind the scenes, with 49ers Enterprises playing an important role.
The American group, which also owns a stake in Championship club Leeds United, is reported to be closing in on a takeover of Rangers, which could be completed within six weeks.
Internal discussions are underway to identify potential candidates, who will subsequently be approached by the club to determine their interest in the position.
Rangers attempting to secure contract for Philippe Clement’s replacement.
Brown told Football Insider that Steven Gerrard is open to returning to Rangers and has maintained solid contacts in Glasgow since his left in 2021.
Now, the former scout, who has extensive experience working closely with elite managers such as Ferguson and Ron Atkinson at Manchester United, has underlined that Rangers must locate the proper individual before entering into a deal.
“Rangers need to find the right manager for their situation,” he explained to Football Insider.
“There’s no point rushing in; they’ll be working hard behind the scenes to find the appropriate one.
“Ultimately, the present board and owners will make the decisions, but I have no doubt they will discuss the matter with potential buyers.
“If they’re going to invest in the club, they’ll definitely want to have a voice in who the new manager is.
“And they’ll want their man in control because it makes the entire process go more smoothly.
“Rangers will collaborate with them to find the best man for the job; they will create a shortlist and contact them to see if they are interested.”
“Because they may target who they want, but if that person isn’t interested, it’s a no-go.
“But then once they’ve established a list of candidates who would be up for taking the job, they can all move forward from there.”
49ers Enterprises: Significant development on the Ibrox takeover talks
Many have welcomed the probable takeover of an American consortium backed by 49ers Enterprises, following long-standing calls for a change of ownership at the Rangers.
However, former Manchester City financial consultant Stefan Borson has informed Football Insider that the Rangers takeover is still in its early stages as things stand.
He noted that the club has not yet submitted a takeover disclosure, which they are required to do until a concrete bid emerges.
All parties are believed to be working toward a deal, and conversations have taken place behind closed doors, although Rangers are required to keep the outside world informed.
