Rangers manager Russell Martin is under increasing pressure following a 3-1 home loss to Club Brugge, with leading betting sites now listing former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil as the favourite to take over.
The defeat leaves Rangers on the brink of Champions League elimination, as their disappointing first-leg performance in Glasgow severely damages their play-off hopes.
Fans voiced their frustration loudly at full-time, demanding action from the club’s hierarchy.
The struggles extend to domestic competition as well, with Rangers drawing both of their opening SPFL matches under Martin, who replaced Philippe Clement in June
“The precursor to change is pain,” Martin reflected after the Brugge defeat, which leaves Rangers facing the possibility of dropping into the Europa League.
“I knew coming here there was going to be some pain early on. We need to make sure the pain is worth it,” he added.
It remains unclear whether Martin will be granted the time to turn things around, as football betting sites have already opened markets on potential successors should the club decide to make a managerial change.
O’Neil Brings Proven Experience
Gary O’Neil’s credentials as a manager are solid, making him a strong candidate to restore success at Ibrox.
He guided Wolves to a 14th-place finish in 2024, with impressive victories over Chelsea, Manchester City, and Tottenham, highlighting his ability to compete against elite teams.
Previously, O’Neil demonstrated his capability at Bournemouth, securing Premier League survival after a six-match unbeaten run as caretaker, showing he can steady teams under pressure.
Having been out of work since leaving Wolves in December 2025, the opportunity to manage a club of Rangers’ size would likely be very appealing.
He is currently the 5/4 favourite in the next Rangers manager betting market
Next Rangers Manager Odds: Potential New Manager
| Manager | Odds | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Gary O’Neil | 5/4 | 44.4% |
| Sean Dyche | 6/4 | 40% |
| Steven Gerrard | 2/1 | 33.3% |
| Michael Carrick | 3/1 | 25% |
| Danny Rohl | 4/1 | 20% |
| Barry Ferguson | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Steve Cooper | 5/1 | 16.7% |
| Chris Wilder | 7/1 | 12.5% |
| James Morrison | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Ralph Hasenhuttl | 10/1 | 9.1% |
| Ruud van Nistelrooy | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Dyche Still An Option
Sean Dyche remains a highly respected figure in football management and will be keen to demonstrate he can succeed at a club of Rangers’ stature.
The former Burnley boss led the club to two Premier League promotions and guided them to a remarkable seventh-place finish in 2018, securing Europa League qualification.
Dyche also proved his ability to navigate challenging situations by keeping Everton in the Premier League in 2024 despite heavy points deductions.
Currently out of work since leaving Everton in January, Dyche would likely see Rangers as an opportunity to reinforce his reputation as a top-tier coach.
Betting sites list him at 6/4 to become the next Rangers manager.
Gerrard Reunion On The Cards?
Steven Gerrard was linked with a potential return to Rangers earlier this summer before the club ultimately chose Russell Martin.
The former Liverpool captain is held in high esteem at Ibrox for ending Celtic’s bid for 10 consecutive titles and leading Rangers to the Premiership crown in 2021.
Since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January, Gerrard has been out of work, but his legendary status among supporters keeps speculation about a return alive.
Despite being linked to several other clubs in England, few opportunities would carry the same prestige as a second stint at Rangers.
Betting sites currently have him at 2/1 to succeed Martin as manager.
Carrick Still An Option
Michael Carrick added his name to the growing list of available managers after being dismissed by Middlesbrough following their failure to reach the play-offs in May.
During his time at the Riverside, he maintained a win rate of 46.3%, but ultimately fell short of securing promotion to the Premier League.
Several clubs are expected to approach Carrick in the coming months, with Rangers representing one of the most appealing opportunities currently on the market.
He is priced at 3/1 to succeed Russell Martin at Ibrox.
Danny Rohl Emerges As Rangers Contender
Amid the ongoing uncertainty at Sheffield Wednesday, Danny Rohl’s accomplishments at Hillsborough stand out.
The German coach took the reins in October 2023 following the club’s worst-ever start to a season and masterminded a remarkable recovery that ensured Championship survival.
Rohl later led the Owls to a top-half finish before leaving just weeks ahead of the new campaign.
His strong managerial reputation has kept him in the spotlight, and he is currently 4/1 to be appointed as the next Rangers manager.
Barry Ferguson Could Return To Rangers
Rangers legend Barry Ferguson stepped in as interim manager following Philippe Clement’s departure in February and may be called upon again.
During his temporary tenure, Ferguson secured six wins from 15 matches, with a 2-2 draw against Hibernian in May marking his final game in charge.
“I’ve already lived the dream as a player and captain of Rangers, and to do so as head coach in these last three months has been an enormous honour,” Ferguson reflected at the time.
With Rangers facing early struggles this season, he is currently 5/1 to return to the Ibrox dugout.
Steve Cooper And Other Contenders
Steve Cooper, currently 5/1, is in contention for the Rangers role. Renowned for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent, Cooper led Nottingham Forest to Premier League promotion in 2022.
His short stint at Leicester ended in November 2024 after five months, but his composed approach and proven ability to succeed with limited resources make him a strong candidate for Ibrox.
Other potential candidates include former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder at 7/1, West Brom and Scotland coach James Morrison at 8/1, while Ralph Hasenhuttl (10/1) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (12/1) are considered less likely to take the role.
