Rangers Chairman Defends Coaching Appointment Process

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh has defended the club’s handling of its managerial appointment process, insisting that while it appeared “clunky” from the outside, the search for new head coach Danny Rohl was well managed internally.

The Ibrox club faced criticism after failed moves for Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat before finally naming Rohl as successor to Russell Martin. Both sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart came under fire from supporters for their roles in the recruitment process and the team’s poor start to the season.

Cavenagh, however, dismissed claims that the process was mishandled, stressing that the outcome was ultimately positive. He said both Gerrard and Muscat withdrew for reasons largely related to timing, while discussions with Rohl were ongoing behind the scenes.

He acknowledged that media coverage created the impression of confusion, saying the difference between public perception and internal operations made the process appear less coordinated than it was.

The Rangers chairman also clarified that the club did not have a single leading candidate. Talks were held with several coaches beyond the three widely reported names, and he expressed satisfaction with the pool of five strong contenders identified during the London meetings.

Cavenagh described the negotiations with Gerrard and Muscat as “complicated,” citing logistical and personal factors, including relocation and timing mid-season. He emphasised that no formal offer was made to either coach, as the club was progressing discussions with multiple candidates simultaneously.

He concluded that the focus now was on the future under Rohl’s leadership, adding that Rangers were “incredibly happy” with their new head coach and optimistic about the team’s direction.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale