No fewer than four ex-Rangers players have been named on a list of potential frontrunners to replace the outgoing James McPake at Dunfermline.
The Pars are looking for a new manager after sacking the former Dundee boss, 40, following the weekend’s 2-0 Scottish Championship defeat to Greenock Morton.
The result leaves Dunfermline – who have one of the biggest budgets in the division – languishing in 9th place in the table and in the midst of a relegation battle this season.
It also leaves James McPake out of a job two days before Christmas.
Dunfermline have managed just four wins in 18 Championship games this season and McPake leaves the club after over two years in charge at East End Park.
Four ex-Rangers stars linked to Dunfermline gig
Attentions have almost immediately turned to who Dunfermline Athletic will look to replace James McPake with several former Rangers players mentioned in discussions.
The Daily Record have listed no more than four ex-Rangers players on a list of seven potential candidates for the Dunfermline Athletic job.
Highest up on the list is ex-Rangers and Hibs star Ian Murray, who remains out of work after leaving Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers.
Former Rangers striker Steven Naismith is also mentioned, the former Hearts boss still out work after leaving Tynecastle following a disastrous start to the season.
Ex-Rangers youth coach Kevin Thomson, who hasn’t had a top management job since leaving Kelty Hearts in 2022, is also mentioned as a potential candidate.
Completing the list of ex-Rangers stars linked to the Dunfermline job is Charlie Adam, who is fresh back on the market after only just being sacked by Fleetwood Town.
Walter Smith led all four ex-Rangers stars
Incredibly, all four of the players mentioned at one time worked with the legendary Walter Smith whilst at Rangers.
Ian Murray had six months with Walter before he was released by Rangers in 2007 following an injury-plagued two years in Glasgow after a move from Hibs.
Walter Smith also signed Steven Naismith from Kilmarnock and the Scotland international would be a crucial part of the legendary ex-Rangers manager’s team of the late 2000s.
Kevin Thomson is another who joined under Walter Smith, Rangers purchasing the midfielder from Hibs and Thommo going on to play a key role in a talented squad.
Charlie Adam also signed a five-year contract with Rangers under the management of Walter Smith and worked with the Ibrox manager up until his exit for Blackpool in 2009.
It’s clear Walter Smith’s legendary influence in the Rangers dressing room has rubbed off and let’s see if any of these Ibrox stars are given the nod at Dunfermline.
