Rangers Managerial Search Ongoing as Van Bronckhorst Rules Out Return
Rangers are still searching for a permanent manager ahead of the summer, with uncertainty lingering over who will take the helm at Ibrox next season.
Philippe Clement was relieved of his duties earlier in the campaign, with Barry Ferguson stepping in as interim boss. However, the club’s season has ended in disappointment following elimination from the Europa League at the hands of Athletic Bilbao and no domestic silverware left to fight for.
The European run marked Rangers’ most impressive since Giovanni van Bronckhorst took the team to the Europa League final in 2022. Despite that achievement, a return to Ibrox for the Dutchman is now off the table.
Van Bronckhorst Ends Speculation Over Rangers Comeback
With a shortage of top-tier candidates for the manager’s position, Van Bronckhorst was seen by some as a potential option. But the 50-year-old has made it clear he has no interest in returning to the dugout at Ibrox.
When asked on TNT Sports whether he would consider a comeback, Van Bronckhorst responded with a firm “No,” before clarifying, “For me, that book is closed. Maybe as a fan, but no [as manager].”
A Look Back at Van Bronckhorst’s Rangers Legacy
Van Bronckhorst enjoyed a successful playing stint at Rangers from 1998 to 2001, winning five major honours before moving on to Arsenal. He later reached the 2010 World Cup final with the Netherlands before retiring and entering coaching at Feyenoord.
Rangers appointed him as manager in 2021 following Steven Gerrard’s departure. He famously guided the team to the Europa League final in 2022, narrowly losing to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties. However, a subsequent dip in form saw him sacked just months later — a decision that many supporters still view as premature.
Whether it’s due to how his previous tenure ended or the current state of the club, Van Bronckhorst has made it clear a second stint is not in his plans. As a result, Rangers must now continue their search for a new manager elsewhere.
