Steven Gerrard and Derek McInnes have emerged as potential candidates if Danny Rohl departs Rangers, with the former Liverpool captain admitting he was 'very close' to returning when Philippe Clement was sacked last October. Gerrard ultimately pulled out due to uncertainty about working under the club hierarchy, including sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart, both dismissed after a poor start to last season.

Gerrard, who delivered Rangers' last title in 2021, struggled to replicate that success at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq, highlighting his preference for the passionate Ibrox atmosphere. The vacant sporting director role might appeal to him given his desire for greater recruitment influence. His previous frustration over perceived lack of backing during his first tenure could be addressed by chairman Andrew Cavenagh's investment approach.

McInnes, currently at Hearts, previously rejected Rangers in 2017 to remain at Aberdeen during the club's difficult period. Now, nine years later, persuading him away from Tynecastle would prove challenging after he led Hearts to within minutes of ending their 64-year title drought. Strong board support and Champions League qualification prospects make his current position attractive.

Rangers fans may view limiting options to these known quantities as restrictive, especially given the club's third-place finish and five-year title drought under new ownership. The unique demands of managing in Glasgow often favor candidates with existing connections to the club, making both Gerrard and McInnes logical shortlists despite the search potentially overlooking promising external options.