The pressure is rising on Philippe Clement with Rangers facing the prospect of searching for yet another new boss just a year after the arrival of the Belgian.
The defeat to Aberdeen leaves the Light Blues well off the pace in the race for the title – trailing Jimmy Thelin’s unbeaten side and table-topping Celtic by nine points at the summit of the Scottish Premiership after just 10 games. The beleaguered boss takes his side to Hampden this weekend with a win in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Motherwell essential if he is to remain in the hot seat.
But for some punters, time is already up for Clement after the nightmare start to the league campaign. The bookies have also started tipped potential successors – with many already discussing their chances of stepping into the Rangers dugout. Record Sport takes a look at what has already been said by Clement’s potential successor about the job.
Kevin Muscat
Shanghai Port boss Kevin Muscat is the frontrunner with bookmakers to take over from Philippe Clement at Rangers after missing out when Michael Beale was shown the door. He is on the brink of a second consecutive Chinese Super League title – but ally Craig Moore has insisted the door is now closed on a move to the Light Blues after failed talks with the club last year.
Speaking to A-Leagues.com after leaving Yokohama F. Marinos for Shanghai Muscat admitted talks had taken place: “There were two or three opportunities throughout the season where I was contacted about certain clubs. There was only really one who I did speak to and the rest I didn’t speak to because I was invested in trying to win a championship. Then towards the last couple of games, this opportunity arose.”
Bookmakers odds: 5/1
Derek McInnes
While in charge at Aberdeen, Derek McInnes turned down the chance to manage Rangers as he stuck it out at Pittodrie. Now in charge at Kilmarnock the boss has built his reputation on achieving with smaller budgets – and has been touted with the hot seat once again.
The boss teased earlier this year that there was a “story to tell” about turning down the chance to follow Pedro Caixinha in the dugout telling the Daily Mail: “I did have a long chat with the gaffer [in 2017]. Listen, I have a story to tell about that whole episode. It’s not the time to do it now.
“I felt that Walter wanted me to be the Rangers manager, but he also had his concerns for me with it. It was his advice and, while he left me in no doubt that it was my decision, he was involved in every step of the way there.
“The gaffer had an influence on most of my big decisions. And when I look back now, I wish I had spoken to him MORE to be honest.”
Bookmakers odds: 6/1
Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool icon is the last man to bring a title to Govan – but has had a rough time since leaving Rangers. He guided the club to an unbeaten league campaign and a first crown in 10 years during the 2020/2021 season before leaving for Aston Villa.
He lasted just 11 months in the Premier League hot seat and is now under pressure in the Saudi Pro League after a lacklustre start to the season for Al-Ettifaq. Speaking to Graeme Souness following his sacking at Villa Park, the Ibrox icon said Gerrard told him a return could be on the cards if the relationship with the supporters was given time to heal.
He told talkSPORT in 2022: “I saw Steven a couple of weeks ago in Portugal. He seemed in fine form and I said to him: ‘are you wanting to go back?’ and he said give it a bit of time and I’ll go back if something comes along that is interesting to him, back into the game.
“I don’t see him going to Glasgow Rangers. Would the supporters be happy with him going back? I’m not sure. They think he left them at a difficult time, I’m not sure.”
Bookmakers odds: 8/1
Frank Lampard
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has admitted earlier this year he was searching for a route back into the dugout after coming within touching distance of the Rangers hot seat. Following Michael Beale’s sacking last October, the former midfield maestro held talks with Ibrox bosses after being included on a shortlist of potential candidates.
The club would go with Clement with Graeme Souness conceding he would have preferred the England cap to get the job. Speaking to talkSPORT in March, the former Everton boss said: “Yeah, I’ve been enjoying being with the family but I am looking to get back (into) at some point.
“Hopefully something comes up that feels the right thing for me, I’m keen to get working again but as I reiterate, I am enjoying [family life]. It’s an intense job so when you’re out of it, it’s nice to appreciate being around all my children, my young children particularly and spending more time with them.”
Bookmakers odds: 8/1