With their move for Shanghai Port manager Kevin Muscat continuing to progress, reports are now suggesting that a 52-year-old coach who’s previously worked with Ange Postecoglou could also join Rangers.
Latest on Kevin Muscat's Rangers move
After Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl dropped out of contention, Muscat remains Rangers’ leading candidate. Talks have been held and a deal has now reportedly been agreed with the manager to take the vacant position at Ibrox. However, there’s still work for the Gers to do if they want to get Muscat out of his current position at Shanghai Port.
What is a certainty is that he will not be in charge this weekend. As Rangers look to thrash out a deal with the Chinese Super League’s champions-elect, they have handed the reins to Steven Smith, Brian Gilmour, Rhys Owen and Sal Bibbo for Saturday’s game against Dundee United.
Speaking about his first and potentially only game in the dugout, Smith told reporters: “We know tomorrow will be a tough game, Dundee United are well organised, so the game is about the players and not me.
“We have to give the players everything they need in order to win. I have been doing this for a long time and have been in the Academy. I trust my processes and my method.”
It’s the perfect chance for Smith to impress ahead of what could be another disrupted spell for Rangers. Even if they hire Muscat, reports are indicating that he wants to finish the Chinese Super League season and seal the title with Shanghai Port before officially arriving at Ibrox. That would mean the Gers would have to wait for their manager and his coaching staff until November 22.
Aloisi expected to join Muscat at Rangers
As those at Ibrox continue their wait for Muscat, rumours about his backroom staff have emerged. According to The Daily Record, Ross Aloisi is expected to join the manager in Scotland if he completes a move.
The 52-year-old assistant manager previously worked with Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar and was targeted by Celtic when the Australian was in charge in 2021. On paper, Aloisi represents another solid, experienced addition who’d be getting his chance to prove that in European football for the first time.
Meanwhile, alongside the assistant, Vince Ierardo is also expected to join Rangers if Muscat’s signed on the dotted line. The 42-year-old has only been a coach since 2023, but is seemingly in line for his biggest move yet.
Everything aside from the timeline is falling into place for Rangers, who must get a compensation fee with Shanghai Port agreed before announcing their new manager.
Although they may choose to make a delayed start, Muscat and his coaching staff may well prove to be shrewd acquisitions after Russell Martin’s disastrous 123-day tenure.
