Rangers are heading in a new direction this summer as the curtain gets drawn on what has been a disastrous 2024/25 campaign.
The imminent takeover by the 49ers Enterprises will bring some much-needed respite and positivity as does having an experienced technical director in Kevin Thelwell on board.
Without the 49ers influence and Thelwell, it is unthinkable that Davide Ancelotti would be the favourite for the Rangers manager job.
The takeover by the 49ers isn’t a hindrance to when the manager will be appointed, however, Ally McCoist reckons that one will definitely happen before the other.
Ally McCoist makes Rangers announcement claim
Speaking on the Talksport Breakfast Show for 14th May 2025, McCoist is convinced that an announcement is just around the corner:
“What this appointment would tell me is that the takeover is just about done. They are not going to go and appoint somebody if the takeover is not done. The club will be in new hands before a new manager is appointed. It just makes sense and would suggest to me that the ownership deal is just about done.
“It’s an interesting one and it looks like the deal is just about going through (for Ancelotti.) I don’t think Barry will get it and I will tell you why. I just think they will go down another route but Barry has done a reasonable job.
“I think Steven Gerrard would probably go back but Davide Ancelotti looks to be the favourite now. I think there was always an opinion that it would just be part-time for Barry.”
What appointment will Rangers make first?
The takeover appears to just be a formality now and, if there were any doubts, Gretar Steinson wouldn’t be lending a hand to appoint a manager.
The 49ers technical director has been seen at Ibrox on a number of occasions too and, despite legalities still needing to be signed off, work has clearly started behind the scenes.
Ancelotti has serious gravitas, even if he hasn’t been a manager in his own right.
With experience in every top five league, there won’t be many scenarios that he hasn’t encountered, also, at every club he has been at with his dad leading the way, winning and competing for titles has been a non-negotiable.
If Rangers can beat teams from these leagues to land one of the most in-demand young coaches it will be the sort of statement of intent that fans have been crying out for.
All they need now is some new players to get behind too.
