Kevin Muscat: Rangers in talks to appoint Shanghai Port boss as Russell Martin's successor at Ibrox
Rangers have been searching for a new head coach since sacking Russell Martin on October 5; Kevin Muscat is closing in on the job after missing out in 2023; Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl were among those in the race; Steven Smith is in charge for Saturday's match against Dundee Utd
Sunday 19 October 2025 18:55, UK
Rangers are closing in on appointing Kevin Muscat as the club’s new head coach.
Final negotiations are understood to be progressing positively, with a growing confidence that Muscat will be named as Russell Martin's successor.
The Ibrox hierarchy remain in advanced discussions with Muscat and his club Shanghai Port as they look to finalise a compensation package and the finer details of his contract.
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Muscat is expected to stay in China for the final stages of Shanghai Port's title race, before heading to Ibrox.
With three games to go, his side remain two points clear at the top of the table following today's 4-3 win over Qingdao Hainiu.
Shanghai Port's final league game is on November 22, and while the 52-year-old could head to Glasgow sooner if the title is decided beforehand, Rangers are thought to be willing to wait for the Australian, who has impressed club officials.
Sky Sports News revealed on Wednesday that Muscat - who has won silverware as a boss in Australia, Japan, and China - was emerging as the frontrunner to replace Martin.
His former Rangers team-mate Neil McCann is expected to join the backroom team and could even take up a role at Ibrox prior to Muscat's arrival.
Muscat and McCann played together at Ibrox during Muscat's only season at Rangers, as the club won a domestic treble in 2002/03.
McCann, who has been working on Sky Sports' Scottish Premiership coverage during this campaign, was part of Rangers' interim setup last season under Barry Ferguson.
Bosnich: Muscat a good choice for Rangers
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Mark Bosnich believes his former Australia team-mate Muscat would be "a good choice" for Rangers.
"A lot of people remember him as a player, he was a bit of a firebrand, to put it plainly," he said. "As a manager, he's a little bit opposite to that, would you believe. Often, that happens if you go through history.
"He was a disciple of Ange Postecoglou when he was starting out his managerial career, but he's a little bit different in terms of I think he's much more adaptable than Ange is, and he's willing to basically forsake a lot of his playing principles to make sure that he gets a result.
"He's had a good time in Japan, he's had a good time in China, he's had a great time here in Australia, but in Scotland it will be different and Rangers need to get back to where they should be.
"They've obviously had a very tough time but with his old playing connection there and the fact that he really wants to prove himself, this would be a good opportunity for him and it would be a good choice for the club."
Smith to take charge of Dundee Utd game
Rangers return to league action on Saturday against Dundee United and U19 coach Steven Smith - who had two spells at Ibrox as a player - will be in charge at Ibrox.
He has been leading first-team training alongside B team coach Brian Gilmour, goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo and head of performance Rhys Owen.
Rangers are eighth in the Scottish Premiership following Martin's 123-day tenure at the club.
Who else did Rangers speak to?
Former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard was among the candidates to replace Martin.
Despite constructive talks, Sky Sports News revealed last Saturday that Gerrard had pulled out of the process, with the timing of a possible move back to Glasgow thought to be an issue.
Danny Rohl - who was sounded by Rangers before they appointed Martin - was another option under consideration.
The former Sheffield Wednesday boss was thought to have impressed Ibrox officials during talks but he withdrew from the race on Wednesday. While the 36-year-old was keen to take over at Ibrox this week, it is believed he was aware others were ahead of him in the race.
Rangers had also sounded out the likes of ex-West Ham manager Graham Potter, former Wolves boss Gary O'Neil and Bo Svensson who was last at Union Berlin.
Who has been leading the search?
Ibrox chairman Andrew Cavenagh - who led the US takeover of the club in the summer - and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe promised a "rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process" to find Martin's successor.
They have been leading talks alongside 49ers Enterprises technical director Gretar Steinsson, Gers chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell.
While initial negotiations were in London, Cavenagh and Co are back in America with Thelwell and Stewart in Glasgow and Muscat in China - meaning time zones are adding a layer of complication to the process.
Rangers' upcoming fixtures
- Dundee United (H) - Scottish Premiership - Saturday
- Brann (A) - Europa League - October 23
- Kilmarnock (H) - Scottish Premiership - October 26
- Hibernian (A) - Scottish Premiership - October 29 - live on Sky Sports
- Celtic (N) - League Cup semi-final - November 2
- Roma (H) - Europa League - November 6
- Dundee (A) - Scottish Premiership - November 9 - live on Sky Sports
- Livingston (H) - Scottish Premiership - November 22
- Braga (H) - Europa League - November 27
- Falkirk (H) - Scottish Premiership - November 30
