The news of Danny Rohl’s potential exit initially came as a shock, but in reality the noise surrounding his future has never really gone away. Keeping him was never universally accepted on social media and, if that is used as mood music for the wider support, many feared a bad start would lead to the same old cycle being repeated, with a new manager required by Halloween.
The Rangers Review reported on Thursday evening that RB Salzburg had initiated discussions with Rangers over a move for Rohl. It is now a waiting game to see how this scenario plays out for all parties.
The rumours in certain circles surrounding Steven Gerrard’s return have never been allowed to fade. It is almost like an itch Rangers just have to scratch. In some quarters it has been widely accepted that it is almost inevitable and, depending on who you speak to, it did not matter what Rohl did, he would always be a short-term appointment.
It is only a few weeks since Andrew Cavenagh very publicly backed his head coach, stating the board felt he was ‘best placed’ to make the difference and lead Rangers forward. However, it is interesting that Rangers are negotiating with RB Salzburg because they could simply have rejected the approach.
More interesting still is the suggestion that the board were aware of interest in Rohl and expected offers to arrive. Instead of sacking him and paying compensation, they may have waited, potentially avoiding a costly decision and even positioning themselves to receive a fee.
What is more concerning, however, is that the players are due back in the coming days, so who has been driving recruitment? Even if that responsibility sits with Dan Purdy and Stig Inge Bjornbye, planning would have been based on Rohl, his style and his squad profile. That raises questions, although someone like Lawrence Shankland would fit most Rangers teams and managers.
The reality is that the prospect of another managerial search is far from appealing. Supporters have heard the promises before about taking time and conducting a thorough process, only for it to play out publicly over weeks. The idea of a fresh start has lost its shine and there is a sense of wanting clarity as quickly as possible, even though a change is not yet certain.
The usual names will be linked. Gerrard will be the obvious frontrunner, he is available and the narrative is already there. Derek McInnes will be mentioned, as he always is, particularly after a strong season, and Kevin Muscat offers a clearly defined, aggressive style of play.
Meanwhile, pre-season approaches and a squad rebuild is required. The concern is that Rangers risk falling behind before a ball is even kicked.
Of course, there remains the possibility that the club has already identified a successor and is quietly putting plans in place behind the scenes. That would be the ideal scenario.
It may also be that Rohl’s time at Rangers was always intended to be temporary, holding the position for someone else who was not available at the time but remained the long-term choice.
None of the potential options are without flaws. Gerrard would generate excitement, but returning rarely carries guarantees, especially without the core group he previously relied upon. McInnes brings experience and understanding of the Scottish game, while Muscat would at least deliver an intense and watchable style.
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At the moment, it feels like a case of simply making a decision and moving forward, which is not an ideal position.
There remains a chance that none of this materialises and Rohl stays to continue the job he started. However, the suspicion persists that, by this time next week, Steven Gerrard could once again be Rangers manager.
The noise has never disappeared and it is a noise that would quickly grow louder among the support. For now, all that can be done is wait and see.
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