Raphael Wicky Emerges as Potential Rangers Manager After Steven Gerrard Rejection

Glasgow Rangers are considering former Young Boys manager Raphael Wicky as a potential replacement for Russell Martin, following Steven Gerrard’s decision to decline the position today.

The Ibrox club’s decision-makers are facing a tight timeline to appoint a new manager before the Scottish Premiership resumes on Saturday against Dundee United. While German coach Danny Rohl has reportedly impressed club officials, Wicky has publicly expressed his desire to return to management. “The fire is burning! I’m ready and open to being on the sidelines again at some point,” Wicky told Blick.

Wicky, 48, previously led Young Boys to a league and cup double in 2023 before being unexpectedly dismissed despite the team’s continued success. Former Bayern Munich star Lars Lunde believes the club made a mistake in letting him go, stating, “The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced that they shouldn’t have parted ways with Raphael Wicky… Nothing has actually got better since then.” Other potential candidates include Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, though a £5 million release clause complicates any potential deal, and Mark van Bommel, who is reportedly in talks with Union Saint-Gilloise. The search for a new manager comes at a critical juncture for Rangers, who currently have only one league win this season.

Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell, CEO Patrick Stewart, vice chairman Paarag Marathe, and chairman Andrew Cavenagh are leading the search. The club is hoping to have a new manager in place to revitalize their season and compete for the Scottish Premiership title.

Club officials have not commented on a specific timeline for the appointment, but are working diligently to identify the best candidate to lead the team forward.