Rangers had their chance with Australian manager Kevin Muscat after the sacking of Michael Beale.
The former Ibrox midfielder was one of three options being closely discussed by the Rangers board after Beale was given the chop in October 2023.
Having impressed in Japan with Yokohama F Marinos, Muscat’s explosive style had many supporters at Ibrox but in the end the Rangers board plunged for Philippe Clement.
With now Coventry manager Frank Lampard the other name on a three-man shortlist, things have gone quite differently for the trio over the last 16 or so months.
But any lingering hope that Kevin Muscat might be on hand should Philippe Clement leave Rangers has all but been extinguished in China.
Kevin Muscat extends Shanghai Port contract
Kevin Muscat’s attacking style has been earning plaudits in China where the 51-year-old manager is currently in charge of Shanghai Port.
Muscat is coming off the back of a remarkable season with the Chinese outfit, where the Aussie led Shanghai Port to back-to-back titles for the first time in their history.
Kevin Muscat then secured a legendary double by leading Shanghai Port to the first Chinese Cup victory in their history.
The medals add to an impressive trophy haul in Muscat’s managerial career, where the gaffer has now won five league titles between his time working in Australia, Japan and China.
Kevin Muscat is going to be given the chance to replicate that success this season too.
That’s because the Aussie coach has agreed a contract extension with the Chinese Super League club ahead of the new season.
The news comes with Shanghai Port’s Asian Champions League hopes coming down to a final day clash with Yokohama F Marinos and the new CSL campaign kicking off next week.
Kevin Muscat ‘devastated’ after missing out on Rangers
With the pressure rising on Rangers manager Philippe Clement, Craig Moore has claimed that Kevin Muscat was ‘devastated’ to miss out on the gig at Ibrox.
Speaking back in September last year, the Aussie legend claims that Muscat had two interviews with the Rangers hierarchy.
But after receiving a knock-back at Ibrox, Rangers have been told that the ‘ship has sailed’ as far as Muscat considering a potential move to Glasgow is concerned.
“He had two interviews at the time and he lost out and he was devastated to lose out at the time to Philippe Clement,” Moore told the Daily Record.
“He thought it was a great opportunity for him and it would have been a great job but Kevin now is doing a great job in China and that ship has well and truly sailed.
“His teams play entertaining football, score goals and they create. He’s a great option for Rangers as far as I’m concerned.”
