The Ibrox chiefs are desperately looking for a replacement for Russell Martin after being swerved by Steven Gerrard
10:41, 13 Oct 2025Updated 19:21, 13 Oct 2025
Out of work Raphael Wicky has declared he is keen to get back in the dugout amid speculation he could be the next Rangers manager.
The Ibrox decision-makers face a race against the clock to bring in Russell Martin’s successor after frontrunner Steven Gerrard pulled out of the running for the hot seat.
Having held talks with the US owners in London last week, Danny Rohl appears to have impressed Andrew Cavenagh and Paarag Marathe.
The German has emerged as the favourite for the hot seat after Gerrard’s knock back, but Swiss boss Wicky is reportedly “an option” for Rangers with a return of league action rapidly approaching.
The former Basel and Chicago Fire boss last managed Young Boys, leading the club to a league and cup double in 2023 before being axed the following season – despite the club being top of the table.
With just one league win this term, the Light Blues will look to have a new boss in the dugout by the time the Scottish Premiership emerges from cold storage on Saturday against Dundee United.
Speaking to Blick about his future, 48-year-old Wicky said: “The fire is burning! I’m ready and open to being on the sidelines again at some point.”
Former Bayern Munich star Lars Lunde reckons that the Bern side made a terrible mistake when they sacked Wicky.
And former Swiss international turned TV pundit, Lunde, believes the club have never recovered from that decision.
He said: “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. Where has the improvement been since they made that decision?
“YB don’t seem to be able to string a few good performances together, which they certainly managed under Wicky.
“They have no identity and I believe their decision to get rid of Wicky was a rash one.”
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is being touted as a target for the Ibrox hierarchy – but the 49ers face a major stumbling block to land their highly-rated boss.
Last summer, McKenna penned a contract extension – taking his deal until 2028. At the time, The Mirror reported that a £5million release clause was put in his contract.
Mark van Bommel has also been mentioned as a surprise option for the hot seat – having been interviewed in the summer.
However, a deal for the Dutch legend could be off the table soon with reports in Belgium suggesting he is in talks to take over as Union Saint-Gilloise boss.
Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell, Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart, Rangers vice chairman Paraag Marathe and chairman Andrew Cavenagh
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