Kris Boyd raises questions over Kevin Muscat’s fit at Rangers
Former Rangers midfielder Kris Boyd has voiced concerns about Kevin Muscat potentially becoming the next manager at Ibrox, suggesting that the Shanghai Port coach could be a “poor man’s Ange Postecoglou” if he lands the job. The ongoing managerial saga at Rangers has intensified as Muscat emerges as the clear frontrunner following Danny Rohl’s withdrawal from the race.
Boyd’s analysis, offered during discussions on Sky Sports, adds a cautious note to the public perception of Muscat’s candidacy. Rangers fans have watched a rocky path to stability after the departure of Russell Martin, with Neil McCann also in the frame to take interim charge until Muscat’s arrival from China.
The race for the Ibrox hot seat narrows
Record Sport has reported that Muscat is closing in on a deal with Rangers’ American owners, positioning him as the most likely successor to Russell Martin. Danny Rohl, who impressed during talks with key decision-makers, decided to step back from the running, leaving Muscat as the last man standing in a process that has unfolded with rapid twists and turns.
Muscat’s coaching career spans multiple high-profile roles, including leading Melbourne Victory after Ange Postecoglou left, and later taking the helm at Yokohama F. Marinos in 2021. The coaching pathway is often compared to Postecoglou’s meteoric rise at Celtic, a comparison that has earned him both praise and scrutiny among supporters.
Celtic comparisons: does Muscat have Ange-like potential?
Boyd acknowledged the appeal of the “Ange-like” pathway—the notion that a coach can arrive, implement an exciting style, and translate that success to a bigger stage. He noted how Celtic’s football under Postecoglou captured the imagination of supporters and critics alike, and how Rangers fans may be hoping for a similar trajectory if Muscat is installed at Ibrox.
However, Boyd warned that such a transition isn’t guaranteed. He emphasized that the success Ange enjoyed in Scotland and his subsequent moves into the English top flight represent a rare blueprint, and that Muscat will still need to tailor his approach to the specific pressures and expectations at Rangers.
What Rangers fans should expect from the next manager
With Muscat’s potential appointment drawing closer, supporters should brace for a coach who blends aggressive pressing, structured defense, and a clear game plan. The post-Postecoglou era at Celtic has shown how quickly a manager can become a focal point for fans and pundits alike, and Rangers will be watching to see if Muscat can deliver a similarly influential playing style while managing the club’s high ambitions in domestic and European competitions.
Rangers fans remain hopeful that the chosen manager can provide consistency, build confidence in the squad, and deliver tangible trophies. The next few weeks will be crucial as talks advance and the club navigates the transition phase.
Bottom line: a cautious but hopeful outlook
As the managerial race narrows, the football world will be watching how Muscat’s experience translates to the Ibrox pressure cooker. Kris Boyd’s remarks highlight a healthy skepticism that often accompanies high-stakes appointments, reminding fans that a successful future at Rangers will depend on more than a glossy CV or a familiar coaching lineage. If Muscat can replicate the best elements of Postecoglou’s early Celtic spell—without the pitfalls of overhype—Rangers could be looking at a moment of real renewal.
