### Kevin Muscat Emerges as Frontrunner for Rangers Manager Role Following Russell Martin's Departure The managerial landscape at Rangers has shifted dramatically following the sacking of Russell Martin on October 5, 2025. With the club actively seeking a new head coach, Kevin Muscat, currently managing Shanghai Port, has emerged as the leading candidate for the position. Muscat's potential appointment comes amid a backdrop of managerial instability at Ibrox, with various candidates being considered, including Danny Rohl, who has since withdrawn from the race, further solidifying Muscat's frontrunner status. Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, has also weighed in, issuing a warning to Muscat regarding the challenges he may face at Rangers, emphasizing the competitive nature of the Old Firm rivalry [https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brendan-rodgers-celtic-warning-muscat-36083857][https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/rangers-next-manager-danny-rohl-b2846238.html]. ### Breakdown of the Current Situation at Rangers 1. **Managerial Change**: Russell Martin was dismissed from his role as head coach, prompting Rangers to search for a successor. 2. **Kevin Muscat's Candidacy**: Muscat has been identified as the primary candidate to take over, with ongoing discussions about his potential contract with Rangers [https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kevin-muscat-step-towards-rangers-36075424]. 3. **Withdrawal of Competitors**: Danny Rohl, another candidate, has withdrawn from consideration, leaving Muscat as the clear favorite [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/rangers-next-manager-danny-rohl-b2846238.html]. 4. **Brendan Rodgers' Comments**: The Celtic manager has publicly commented on the situation, suggesting that Muscat will face significant challenges if appointed [https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brendan-rodgers-celtic-warning-muscat-36083857]. 5. **Rangers' Urgency**: The club is under pressure to finalize the appointment quickly, especially with upcoming matches on the horizon [https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11788/13450686/kevin-muscat-rangers-in-talks-to-appoint-shanghai-port-boss-as-russell-martins-successor-at-ibrox]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Timeline of Events**: - October 5, 2025: Russell Martin is sacked. - October 15, 2025: Danny Rohl withdraws from the managerial race, leaving Muscat as the frontrunner [https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11788/13450843/rangers-danny-rohl-pulls-out-of-race-to-become-head-coach-with-kevin-muscat-frontrunner-to-replace-russell-martin]. - October 16, 2025: Muscat reportedly has an agreement in place to take over at Rangers [https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kevin-muscat-breaks-rangers-silence-36080488]. - **Current Odds**: Muscat is currently the odds-on favorite to become the next Rangers manager, reflecting the confidence in his potential appointment [https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/football/news/rangers-next-manager-odds-where-next-ibrox-board-after-kevin-muscat-snag/3d3157ee58ab6b95d46a926f]. ### Conclusion: The Path Forward for Rangers In summary, **Kevin Muscat is poised to become the next manager of Rangers**, following the departure of Russell Martin. The club's urgency to appoint a new head coach is underscored by the withdrawal of other candidates, notably Danny Rohl. Muscat's experience and previous discussions with the Rangers hierarchy position him as a strong choice, although he will need to navigate the intense pressures of managing in the Old Firm rivalry. 1. **Immediate Need**: Rangers must act quickly to finalize Muscat's appointment. 2. **Muscat's Challenges**: He will face significant expectations and scrutiny from fans and the media. 3. **Brendan Rodgers' Warning**: The Celtic manager's comments highlight the competitive nature of the role [https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brendan-rodgers-celtic-warning-muscat-36083857]. The coming days will be crucial as Rangers look to solidify their managerial position and prepare for the challenges ahead.