Rangers have considered hiring a “fantastic” manager who could be Barry Ferguson’s permanent successor at Ibrox, according to an update from journalist Ben Jacobs.
Rangers appoint Ferguson as interim manager
It has been a dramatic day or so for the Gers after the sacking of Philippe Clement on Sunday evening, following the dour 2-0 defeat at home to St. Mirren, in yet another poor Scottish Premiership result.
Rangers are in no rush to bring in a permanent successor to the 50-year-old, with Ferguson confirmed as interim manager until the end of the campaign. The former Gers captain is a potentially popular option to come in and fill the void for the time being, given his knowledge and passion for the club.
Meanwhile, a reunion with Steven Gerrard looks possible in the summer, with the former manager seen as one of the favourites to come in permanently. Fabrizio Romano has admitted it is far from nailed-on, however, saying: “At the moment nothing has been decided, so let’s keep all options open. The club is assessing options to replace Clement but nothing direct yet with Gerrard or his camp.”
Other candidates are clearly going to emerge for Rangers in the near future as they plan for life after Ferguson, and another name has now been thrown into the hat.
Rangers eyeing “fantastic” 4-2-3-1 manager
According to Jacobs for Give Me Sport, Rangers considered David Wagner as an option to replace Clement before they opted for their former skipper as a safe pair of hands, putting him firmly in the mix to get the gig in the summer presuming Ferguson does not do enough to earn a long-term stay.
Wagner is an impressive manager who could be a strong choice for Rangers, now possessing a huge amount of experience at a high level, not least guiding Huddersfield Town from the Championship to the Premier League back in 2017.
|
David Wagner’s managerial career |
Matches |
Points per match |
|---|---|---|
|
Norwich City |
75 |
1.47 |
|
Young Boys |
40 |
1.73 |
|
Schalke |
40 |
1.20 |
|
Huddersfield Town |
154 |
1.23 |
|
Borussia Dortmund II |
164 |
1.33 |
The 53-year-old has been lauded by Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe in the past, even comparing him to friend and managerial legend Jurgen Klopp: “Nobody had really heard of David Wagner before he came into the club. But the philosophy he has instilled of hard work, of having the right characters as well as good players is fantastic, and you can see the team really want to play for him as well.
“He is the Championship’s Jurgen Klopp. That’s what he is. I know they are good friends but that’s what he is, it’s extraordinary.”
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While some Rangers fans may like the idea of Gerrard returning to Ibrox, the 4-2-3-1-playing Wagner arguably represents a more proven option – the former recently left Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq after a forgettable spell in charge – so there would be plenty of sense in them striking a deal for Wagner instead.