Next Rangers manager: Who is in the running to replace Clement?

The hunt for the next Rangers manager is under way following the departure of Philippe Clement.

The Belgian was sacked following a poor run of results that culminated in the 2-0 defeat to St Mirren at Ibrox on Saturday.

It was their second home defeat in a row with the Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park still fresh in the memory.

Former club captain Barry Ferguson and recently appointed assistant manager Issame Charai are both in line for a potential interim spell in charge until the end of the season.

Clement’s permanent successor will likely be appointed in the summer with several names already being mentioned including Steven Gerrard, who won the Premiership title in the 2020/21 season, and Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes who spent five years at Ibrox as a player.

Others being linked with the position are Kevin Muscat, Sean Dyche and Russel Martin.

Runners and riders

Issame Charai: Moroccan will be in dugout at Rugby Park. SNS Group

Issame Charai: Former Morocco under-23 manager Charai was appointed as assistant to Clement last month and will now take charge of the team for the game against Kilmarnock.

It remains to be seen if his role in the dugout will continue beyond that but he is believed to be being considered to take the team until the end of the season.

Former skipper Ferguson won 15 trophies at Rangers during his playing days. SNS Group

Barry Ferguson: Ferguson had a stellar playing career at Ibrox, winning 15 trophies and reaching the UEFA Cup final in 2008.

However, his management career hasn’t been quite as successful with spells at Blackpool, Clyde, Kelty Hearts and Alloa Athletic.

He is also believed to be under consideration for an interim role until the end of the current campaign.

Gerrard led the club to the Premiership title during his time in the dugout between 2018 and 2021. SNS Group

Steven Gerrard: The legendary Liverpool skipper was handed his first management role when he was appointed Rangers manager in 2018.

He led the club to their only top-flight title in the last 14 years in his third season in Scotland before departing for Aston Villa during the following campaign.

The 44-year-old was sacked following a disappointing run of results at Villa Park before spending two seasons with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.

Currently out of work, bookmakers have installed him as the early favourite to take over from Clement.

Former Scotland international Russell Martin has earned plaudits for his playing style. SNS Group

Russell Martin: The Scotland international defender had an unremarkable loan spell at Ibrox in the 2018 season when he made 17 appearances as the club finished third in the Premiership.

However, he has a reputation for playing good brand football after cutting his teeth in management with spells at MK Dons, Swansea and Southampton.

In his first season, he guided Saints to the Premier League via the play-offs.

The English top flight proved too much of a step up, and he was sacked in December following a 5-0 defeat by Tottenham, with Southampton at the bottom of the table.

Muscat has won league titles in three different countries as a manager and helped Rangers to a treble as a player. SNS Group

Kevin Muscat: Another one who had a short spell at Rangers as a player, making a total of 29 appearances in the treble-winning campaign of 2002/03.

Muscat was reportedly in contention when Clement got the job in 2023 and is currently in China with Shanghai Port where he won the league.

He has now secured titles in three separate countries, including his home country of Australia and the Japanese J-League.

His knowledge of the Asian market may make him an attractive proposition, considering the success of Ange Postecoglou following his move from the J-League to Celtic in 2021.

Sean Dyche would bring a lot of experience following spells in the English Premier League. SNS Group

Sean Dyche: The Englishman had mixed experiences in his most recent job at Everton, after a generally impressive spell at Burnley.

He saved the Goodison Park side from relegation in 2022/23 after taking over from Frank Lampard halfway through the season and guided the Toffees to 15th despite being hit with an eight-point deduction in total the following campaign.

But it all became too much this season and he departed the Merseysiders, when they were just a point away from the relegation zone in January.

Current Killie boss McInnes has vast knowledge of the Scottish game. SNS Group

Derek McInnes: The former Rangers midfielder is in charge of Kilmarnock, who Rangers play on Wednesday night.

McInnes rejected the chance to become Gers manager in 2017, when he was in charge at Aberdeen.

However, there are few better placed to evaluate the landscape in Scottish football and he will know the huge advantages that Celtic have over Rangers in terms of money and squad quality which may sway any possible decision.

On the flip side, he may believe he will not get another opportunity to manage his boyhood club and relish the challenge, which may be aided by the fresh investment of new owners.