Chief executive Jim Gillespie addressed fans in the States and confirmed Hearts boss and Ibrox title winner will be considered
19:00, 12 Jun 2026Updated 04:43, 13 Jun 2026
Derek McInnes and Steven Gerrard
Rangers will consider offering Steven Gerrard or Derek McInnes a sensational return to Ibrox if Danny Rohl quits.
And former managerial target Kevin Muscat will also come into the running should the German end up departing for RB Salzburg.
Gers’ German boss is weighing up an offer from RB Salzburg following an approach this week.
In the meantime, Ibrox chiefs aren’t hanging about waiting for his decision and are already preparing to draw up a shortlist of candidates who could replace the 37-year-old if necessary.
And on Thursday evening, Light Blues chief executive Jim Gillespie told a meeting of stateside supporters that the names of Gerrard and McInnes WILL be on it.
Record Sport revealed that Rohl has yet to receive permission to speak with Red Bull Group bosses but Rangers want a speedy conclusion one way or another. And that includes their search for a new gaffer.
Addressing 200 US-based supporters at the North American Rangers Supporters’ Association’s annual convention in Nashville, Gillespie confirmed an approach from the Austrian outfit is now being considered by chairman Andrew Cavenagh and his parters from the San Francisco 49ers.
He told attendees that the club maintains a continually updated watch list of possible managerial candidates.
American Businessman and Owner of the San Francisco 49ers Jed York alongside Rangers CEO Jim Gillespie
When asked if that included former title-winning boss Gerrard and current Hearts gaffer McInnes, Gillespie told the room: “Those are the type of names that will be on the shortlist.”
Gerrard spent three and a half years at Ibrox, leading the club to an invincible league title in 2021.
He has been approached twice in the last year about returning to Glasgow but turned down Cavenagh’s advances on both occasions.
However, Gers’ American owner – who has travelled to Boston to watch Scotland’s opening game at the World Cup – remains a huge admirer of the Liverpool legend and has kept in regular contact since their last negotiations back in October.
At that time, club insiders claimed both sides had agreed to “leave the door open for the future”.
As for McInnes – a nine-in-a-row hero during his playing days at Ibrox — he has seen his stock soar following Hearts’ incredible run for the Premiership crown last year.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes
The Jambos boss saw his Gorgie side lead the title race for most of the season before succumbing to a heartbreaking late defeat to eventual winners Celtic.
Rohl‘s team, meanwhile, trudged home in third place after a dramatic collapse cost the Ibrox side their shot at the title.
Previously a fans’ favourite after masterminding a remarkable turnaround in fortunes from the squad he inherited from Russell Martin, the former Sheffield Wednesday is now facing outright hostility from large sections of the Gers support.
Many are now viewing Salzburg’s approach as a face-saving opportunity for Gers to get rid of Rohl without having to sack him – with the added bonus of pocketing a sizeable compensation cheque.
Record Sport revealed earlier today that Salzburg are confident they can come up with the cash needed to prise Rohl away from Ibrox.