Rangers Set For Second Brutal Managerial Snub After Steven Gerrard Turns Down Return

Rangers are set for another brutal snub as they look to replace Russell Martin at the Ibrox helm.

Martin was relieved of his duties earlier this month just 123 days after his appointment with Rangers struggling in the Scottish Premiership this season.

The Gers currently find themselves down in eighth position having collected just eight points from the opening seven games of the season.

Furthermore, Rangers are averaging less than a goal per game with Martin sacked following the 1-1 draw with Falkirk last weekend.

Steven Gerrard had been expected to return for a second stint in Glasgow following positive talks between the out-of-work manager and the Scottish giants.

Gerrard was Rangers boss between 2018 and 2021 before departing for Aston Villa and then taking over Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq in 2023.

Rangers rejected by Gerrard and Dyche

However, Gerrard, who left Al-Ettifaq earlier this year, has turned down the chance to return to club management with Rangers.

Sean Dyche was another rumoured to be on Rangers’ radar, but the ex-Burnley and Everton boss recently ruled himself out of the running amid reports he is set to succeed Ange Postecoglou as Nottingham Forest head coach.

Rangers are turning their attention elsewhere, with Danny Rohl and former centre-back Kevin Muscat among those on the club’s wishlist.

Hearts are top of the table under Derek McInnes (Image: Getty)

Derek McInnes is another linked with the Rangers hotseat but the Hearts boss, who played for the Gers between 1995 and 2000, would be 'foolish' to leave the Jam Tarts according to former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness.

Wyness, who worked for Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, has backed McInnes to turn down any offer that comes in from Rangers and instead stick with the league leaders.

'He’d be better off staying at Hearts'

“Derek McInnes, I think he’d be foolish to leave Hearts right now,” Wyness told Football Insider.

“They seem to have something going. I mean, they’re top of the table, two-point lead, and they’ve got Tony Bloom and the whole new regime behind them.

“If I were Derek McInnes, I’d be staying where I am. I wouldn’t be looking to go to Rangers. Even though he was a Rangers player, I think he’d be better off staying at Hearts.”

Former Sheffield Wednesday head coach Rohl is now the favourite to succeed Martin at the Ibrox helm after the 36-year-old reportedly wowed club officials during his interview.

Rohl has been out of work since leaving the Owls at the end of last season and has previously been linked with Southampton and RB Leipzig, though the former opted to instead bring in Will Still.

Rangers will hope to make a swift appointment after being snubbed by Gerrard as they return to action with the welcome of Dundee United next weekend.

Already 11 points off top spot, and nine behind rivals Celtic, it would take a monumental effort for Rangers to win their first Scottish Premiership title since the 2020/21 season this time around.