Scottish Premiership Wullie McDonald 15 October 2025 0 Comments

Röhl, Solskjær and McInnes still in frame as Rangers weigh up Muscat move

Rangers’ search for a new manager has taken another twist as Sky Bet suspend betting on Kevin Muscat amid growing belief that the former Ibrox defender could be the preferred candidate.

Muscat, currently in charge of Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port, has already held discussions with Rangers and is viewed by some inside the club as the leading option following Steven Gerrard’s withdrawal from the process. However, any deal would come with complications, with Muscat unavailable until the Chinese season finishes on 22 November. Neil McCann has been mentioned as a potential interim replacement to bridge the gap if the board decide to wait for him.

With the betting market halted on Muscat, Ole Gunnar Solskjær has moved up as the shortest-priced name on the list at 5/1. The former Manchester United boss was previously contacted but there has been no movement reported this week. Danny Röhl remains a live candidate at 7/1 after holding talks with the Rangers hierarchy, though there is scepticism among pundits. Scott McDermott and former striker Rory Loy have both voiced concerns that appointing the 36-year-old would carry similar risks to the failed tenure of Russell Martin.

Derek McInnes sits at 10/1 but has publicly distanced himself from the speculation. The Hearts boss said his focus is firmly at Tynecastle after guiding his side to the top of the Premiership table, two points above Celtic and eleven clear of Rangers. McInnes, who previously turned down Rangers while at Aberdeen, believes he has started something in Edinburgh and insists he wants to build on a strong start to the season.

Barry Ferguson is priced at 14/1 but there has been no indication of any formal approach. While his name always surfaces due to his playing connection to the club, he is currently viewed as an outside shout rather than a realistic contender.

Rangers remain eighth in the Premiership with only one win in six and their season has already derailed in Europe. The board are continuing talks with multiple candidates as pressure mounts to secure the right appointment and stabilise the club before the campaign slips further away.

Photo Credit: Hugh McMillan / Renfrewshire News

Next Rangers manager: candidates & odds:

Kevin Muscat – Market Suspended / Strong Interest

Sky Bet have suspended betting on Muscat due to active talks.
Rangers have held discussions and some at Ibrox favour him.
Currently managing Shanghai Port and wouldn’t be available until 22 November.
Neil McCann is being mentioned as a possible interim boss if Muscat is the chosen long-term pick.
Club stressing “no deal done” and other candidates remain in play.

Ole Gunnar Solskjær – 5/1

Was one of the names approached earlier in the process.
High-profile option with Premier League pedigree.
No suggestion of recent talks progressing, but still sits second-favourite in the betting.

Danny Röhl – 7/1

Held talks with the Rangers board last week.
Has served as assistant at Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Germany.
Critics like Scott McDermott and Rory Loy argue he’s not the right fit and could mirror the Russell Martin gamble.
Was previously on Rangers’ radar before Martin was appointed.

Derek McInnes – 10/1

Publicly pushed back on speculation, saying: “My job here is firmly at Hearts… I’m really enjoying my work here.”
Hearts sit top of the Premiership, above Celtic and well ahead of Rangers.
Some pundits believe he’d be a safer, more experienced option than Röhl.
Still being linked despite distancing himself.

Barry Ferguson – 14/1