The Row Over Rangers’ Next Manager
Rangers are navigating a tense recruitment phase as Kevin Muscat, boss of Shanghai Port, emerges as the clear favourite to replace Russell Martin. The club’s American owners have been in talks, with interim options like Neil McCann in the frame until Muscat can arrive from China. The former Melbourne Victory, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Australian national league veteran has become the focal point of intense discussion among supporters and pundits alike.
However, the path to the Ibrox hot seat is not without its shadows. Kris Boyd, the club’s former forward and trusted pundit, has voiced concerns about whether Muscat can replicate the Celtic-like transformation many fans hope to see at Rangers. Boyd’s comments arrived as a reminder that the managerial job in Glasgow carries heightened scrutiny and the pressure to deliver immediate and sustainable success.
From Postecoglou to Muscat: The Celtic Parallel
The comparison to Ange Postecoglou is unavoidable for any manager linked with Rangers since Postecoglou’s high-profile success at Celtic. Postecoglou’s evolution from a domestic success story to a Premier League figurehead created a template that Rangers fans now wish to emulate. Boyd acknowledged the lure of that blueprint but warned that past results do not guarantee future glory.
“Celtic had success with Ange Postecoglou when he arrived in Scottish football, and it’s a similar pathway,” said Boyd on Sky Sports. “It doesn’t guarantee that Kevin Muscat is going to be a success at Rangers, if he is the man to get the job.”
Yet there is a palpable sense of optimism among supporters that Muscat could mirror Celtic’s trajectory under Postecoglou, at least in terms of establishing a bold, progressive style. The Rangers faithful are hungry for a manager who can energise the squad, connect with the supporters, and implement a tactical system that yields consistent results in domestic and European competition.
The Leadership Challenge Ahead
Muscat’s track record in Asia and Australia showcases a coach capable of building teams that play with intensity. His time in Japan and Australia featured teams that pressed with purpose and sought to dominate transitions—traits fans often equate with modern, successful sides.
But the Ibrox job is about more than a single season or a few standout performances. It requires long-term project management, adept man-management, and a clear philosophy that can endure changes in squad and competition. Boyd’s caveat that “it doesn’t guarantee” success underlines the reality that Rangers must weigh not only tactical fit but also adaptability, resilience, and the ability to win silverware across formats.
What This Means for Rangers Now
With Danny Rohl having withdrawn from the running, Muscat is increasingly seen as the last man standing in the current field. That narrowed focus places extra pressure on the candidate’s ability to deliver quickly, while also ensuring the club’s long-term strategic plan aligns with the owners’ vision.
Rangers fans will be watching closely as contract discussions progress. The club’s communication channels—from official statements to fan forums and social media—will reflect the mood around Muscat’s potential arrival. If the deal advances, expect a wave of cautious optimism followed by a demand for tangible results on the pitch.
Looking Ahead
As negotiations continue, the broader debate about managerial identity at Ibrox will persist. Will Muscat provide the spark fans crave, akin to Postecoglou’s Celtic-era influence, or will the pressure cooker of Rangers demand a different blueprint altogether? The coming weeks promise clarity, but for now, Kris Boyd’s measured assessment adds a timely reminder that the road to success is seldom straight.
Follow Record Sport for up-to-the-minute updates on the Rangers management race, plus in-depth analysis on Celtic, SPFL action, and everything in between.
