Steven Smith is set to take charge of Rangers on their return to Premiership action against Dundee United this weekend.
The Under-19 boss has been overseeing first-team training since the sacking of Russell Martin in the aftermath of the draw with Falkirk, which left Rangers languishing in eighth place in the standings. And the Rangers Review can reveal Smith is now poised to be in the dugout for the visit of Jim Goodwin’s side in the first match after the international break.
We revealed this morning that the Ibrox board are working to finalise a move for Kevin Muscat after identifying him as their key target for the vacant position. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh, who has overseen the process alongside Paraag Marathe, the vice-chairman, and 49ers Enterprises technical director Gretar Steinsson, is believed to be a long-time admirer of Muscat. And the board are working to finalise personal terms and a seven-figure compensation package to allow him to return to the club where he won the treble under Alex McLeish's guidance in 2003.
Read more:
- Rangers working to finalise move for Kevin Muscat as Ibrox head coach
- Behind the scenes insight with Kevin Muscat's assistant amid renewed Rangers interest
Muscat is currently in charge of Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Port and stands on the brink of another title triumph as a manager. Muscat has previously won silverware with Melbourne Victory and Yokohama F. Marinos and reports in China have indicated that the search for Muscat's successor has already started ahead of his likely exit to Ibrox.
The 52-year-old is eager to move to Glasgow as soon as possible but also wants to depart China as a champion. The Super League season runs until November 22 and Rangers are working on a contingency plan to see them through the coming weeks.
The first part of that is set to see Smith make his debut as manager on Saturday. Smith has been assisted by Brian Gilmour and Rhys Owen, the head of performance, and goalkeeper coach Sal Bibbo, who have both remained at the club following Martin’s exit after just 17 matches in charge.
The Rangers Review revealed on Wednesday night that Danny Rohl had withdrawn from the race to succeed Martin as head coach. Rohl was spoken to as part of the recruitment process before Martin’s appointment on a three-year deal in the summer. The 36-year-old was interviewed once again last week and it is understood he was eager to get down to business as soon as possible ahead of a defining run of matches at home and abroad.
Rangers face Brann in the Europa League on Thursday evening and also have fixtures with Kilmarnock and Hibernian before the League Cup showdown with Celtic at Hampden.
