Following the completion of their takeover, Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises are now set to prioritize appointing a new permanent manager at Rangers.
The American consortium has officially acquired a 51% controlling stake in the Glasgow club after months of behind-the-scenes negotiations.
With the managerial position still vacant since Barry Ferguson’s departure from Ibrox, the focus now shifts to finding a new leader for the upcoming season.
Russell Martin has emerged as a strong contender to take over at Rangers. With the ownership transition complete, Cavenagh and the 49ers may now be free to appoint him without complications.
Leicester move unlikely as Martin remains on Rangers radar
According to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett on X (30 May), Martin is no longer a leading candidate to succeed Ruud Van Nistelrooy at Leicester City, despite having previously been close to landing the role. Other names such as Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl and Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior are reportedly being considered instead.
This shift clears the path for Rangers to potentially bring Martin back to Ibrox. The former Scotland international briefly played on loan for the club in 2018, and his familiarity with the club could work in his favor.
Rangers managerial search nearing its conclusion
Cavenagh and the 49ers had assigned Gretar Steinsson the task of identifying managerial candidates while the takeover process was finalized. Now that the deal is complete, a decision is expected imminently.
While Davide Ancelotti has also been linked with the job, concerns over his lack of experience as a head coach could weigh against him.
Although Martin faced challenges during his tenure at Southampton, including a tough start to their Premier League return, it’s believed he has grown from the experience. Whether he secures the Rangers job remains to be seen, but the end of the lengthy search appears to be near.
