In October 2025, Rangers sacked Russell Martin after just 123 days in charge – a reign marked by six defeats in 17 games and a final straw 1–1 draw with Falkirk. What followed was less a recruitment process and more a tragicomedy.
Steven Gerrard entered advanced talks, only to pull out citing “bad timing”. Kevin Muscat looked nailed-on, but his commitment to Shanghai Port derailed the deal at the final hurdle. Even Danny Röhl himself withdrew, sensing he’d been leapfrogged, only to be re-approached after Muscat’s collapse.
The appointment of Röhl, finally confirmed on a two-and-a-half-year deal, felt less like a strategic hire and more like a salvage operation. As Sporting Life put it, “a marriage of convenience which has to last”.
This latest debacle joins a long tradition of Rangers managerial near misses. Let’s revisit five managers who came close to the job but never quite made it.
1. Graeme Souness (Second Coming, 2007)
- The story: After Paul Le Guen’s disastrous reign ended in early 2007, Souness – the man who revolutionised Rangers in the late 80s – was heavily linked with a return.
- Why it collapsed: The board opted for Walter Smith instead, valuing stability over nostalgia.
- The what-if: A Souness return would have been box-office, but also a gamble given how far the game had moved on since his first spell.
2. Derek McInnes (2017)
- The story: Then-Aberdeen boss McInnes was the clear favourite after Pedro Caixinha’s sacking. Rangers even approached Aberdeen formally.
- Why it collapsed: McInnes turned Rangers down, citing loyalty to Aberdeen and doubts about Rangers’ boardroom direction.
- The what-if: Had McInnes joined, Rangers might have stabilised earlier — instead, they endured more turbulence before Steven Gerrard’s arrival.
3. Alex McLeish (2015)
- The story: With Rangers in the Championship and searching for a steady hand, McLeish was interviewed for a sensational return.
- Why it collapsed: The board chose Mark Warburton, seeing him as a more progressive, modern coach.
- The what-if: McLeish could have offered short-term pragmatism, but Warburton’s attacking football brought Rangers back to the Premiership.
4. Frank de Boer (2017 & 2021 links)
- The story: The Dutchman, with his Ajax pedigree and Rangers playing past, was repeatedly linked whenever the job came up.
- Why it collapsed: His stock had fallen after poor spells at Inter and Crystal Palace, and Rangers never made a formal move.
- The what-if: De Boer would have been a romantic choice, but his recent record suggested more risk than reward.
5. Derek Adams (2014)
- The story: Before Ally McCoist’s eventual departure, Adams – then impressing at Ross County – was touted as a potential successor.
- Why it collapsed: Rangers stuck with McCoist until the situation became untenable, and Adams’ chance passed.
- The what-if: Adams might have offered a fresh, hungry option, but the club wasn’t ready to gamble on a relative outsider.
Conclusion: The Eternal “What-Ifs” of Ibrox
From Souness’ almost-return to McInnes’ public rejection, Rangers’ history is littered with managers who nearly took the reins but didn’t. Each near miss reflects the club’s constant tug-of-war between nostalgia, pragmatism, and ambition. In true Rangers fashion, even the managers who didn’t arrive have become part of the mythology of disappointment and drama.
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