Five candidates that could replace Russell Martin at Rangers
Russell Martin was sacked as Rangers boss after only being in charge for 123 days, making him the shortest serving permanent manager in the club’s 153-year history. It was a horrendous spell for the 39-year-old as he leaves the Light Blues eighth in the league table and only managed to win FIVE of his 17 games. The fallen head coach had to get a police escort from the ground following their 1-1 draw with Falkirk, which was Martin’s final game in the dugout.
The Ibrox club are on the hunt for their eighth permanent manager in ten years as they look to try and salvage their season whilst they still can, but the question is though – who will be Martin’s successor?
Steven Gerrard
Could a return for Steven Gerrard be on the cards? The footballing icon is beloved amongst the Ibrox faithful after he delivered the club’s first league title in ten years and stopped Celtic winning ten league titles in a row. The Liverpool legend knows what’s required and would instantly bring that star power and feel-good factor back to the Gers.
Derek McInnes
Eight years ago, Derek McInnes knocked back the opportunity to become Ibrox boss but has always been linked with the job anytime it’s become available. McInnes knows Scottish football inside out as he done a tremendous job at Aberdeen and Kilmarnock. The 54-year-old has got Hearts top of the league and unbeaten. It could be the Scotsman’s last chance to make a return to his former club.
Billy Davies
Billy Davies recently returned to the game as Technical Head Coach of Greenock Morton. Davies is an experienced manager and famously got Derby County promoted to the English Premiership on a shoestring budget and managed to take Preston North End and Nottingham Forest into the Championship play-offs. The 61-year-old knows how to inspire a dressing room as he has incredible charisma, and his man management skills would be perfect to help improve the morale at club. Davies, a former Rangers player, understands the pressures and demands of the Old Firm goldfish bubble and would be an excellent choice.
Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard currently has Coventry City flying in the English Championship as they sit second in the league and are unbeaten. The Chelsea legend took over the Sky Blues whilst they were 17th in table and guided them to fifth place finish and into the play-offs. Lampard has that it factor and presence about him and he’s another manager that would thrive under the scrutiny of managing in Glasgow.
Barry Ferguson
Barry Ferguson was in interim charge last season following the sacking of Philippe Clement and done better than expected. Ferguson knocked Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahçe out of the Europa League and went unbeaten against the Hoops – even picking up a victory at Parkhead for the first time in five years. The Rangers legend will feel like he has unfinished business and would no doubt jump at the chance to return to his boyhood club.
By: Scott Bradley / @ScottBradleyX
Featured Image: @Juannfrann / Neville Williams