Rangers Face Pressure as Takeover and Managerial Uncertainty Drags On
Rangers are bracing for a summer of significant change, but delays surrounding the club’s impending takeover and managerial appointment have left supporters increasingly exasperated.
Although the Scottish Premiership officially concluded 10 days ago, Rangers’ season effectively ended weeks earlier after their Europa League exit at the hands of Athletic Bilbao on 17 April. Since then, the club has seen little progress both on and off the pitch.
The takeover, led by 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh, is expected to go through — but fans are growing impatient for a resolution.
According to Chris Jack of Rangers Review (27 May), the club hopes to name a new manager by the end of the week, which could signal that a takeover announcement is not far behind. However, Jack reports that neither party involved in the deal is working toward a fixed deadline.
“Sources on both sides of the deal have downplayed the importance of an ‘end date’. Every agreement that is signed off is viewed as progress, but no specific date has been set to conclude the process,” Jack wrote.
While Kevin Thelwell has already been appointed as sporting director and representatives from 49ers Enterprises are involved in the manager search, the full takeover remains incomplete.
Time is of the essence. Rangers must begin rebuilding the squad now to prepare for the upcoming season, and that work hinges on finalising both the managerial hire and ownership transfer. Only then can decisions be made on player retention, sales, and signings.
The departures of underperformers such as Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun, and Tom Lawrence mark a necessary shift, but deeper restructuring can’t proceed without clarity at the top.
With pre-season training set to begin at the end of June, it’s crucial for the club to resolve these issues promptly. Candidates like Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard are under consideration for the managerial post, and there’s optimism that once the takeover is complete, the incoming ownership will support the new manager with meaningful investment in the transfer market.
