Latest on Rangers manager hunt as new appointment timeline revealed with Farioli joining Ancelotti & Martin in the frame
Rangers fans will need to wait a little longer
DECISION TIME Latest on Rangers manager hunt as new appointment timeline revealed with Farioli joining Ancelotti & Martin in the frame
STEVEN GERRARD won't be making a sensational return to Rangers.
The former Ibrox boss has pulled out of the running for a second stint at the club.
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Steven Gerrard is no longer in the race
Credit: PA
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Russell Martin is one of the leading contenders
Credit: Getty
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As is Davide Ancelotti
Credit: Getty
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Francesco Farioli is the latest name in the frame
Credit: Getty
Instead, US-based takeover frontman Andrew Cavenagh — on the verge of sealing the buyout of the club — will continue talks with Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin.
And ex-Ajax boss Francesco Farioli has emerged as a shock new contender for the job.
SunSport understands it's now unlikely any managerial appointment will be made until next week.
But behind-the-scenes talks over Rangers' long-awaited takeover is believed to be close to being agreed.
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Gerrard's exit from the race to replace Philippe Clement came after weeks of speculation he was on the verge of a return.
Ibrox sources have told SunSport he engaged in talks in the early stages of their process.
There were positive initial discussions, but the Liverpool legend decided the timing wasn't right.
Gerrard is still based in Bahrain with his wife settled in the Middle East.
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The 44-year-old is also on the verge of becoming a grandfather for the first time, and is eager for more family time.
It's understood the Gers' title-winning boss told friends he still hopes to be considered for the job in the future.
Roger Hannah and Robert Grieve debate if Davide Ancelotti or Russell Martin should be the next Rangers manager in the Coffee Club
But his withdrawal has cleared the way for the club to finalise discussions with the other candidates.
SunSport first broke the news ex-Southampton boss Martin was in the frame.
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Italian Ancelotti has appeared to be his biggest rival for the post.
He's opted to stay in Europe for talks with Gers and other possible clubs, after dad Carlo took over with Brazil this week.
Sources close to the ex-Real Madrid first-team coach claim Ancelotti sees himself as the No 1 frontrunner for Ibrox.
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But last night it emerged ex-Nice and Ajax gaffer Farioli had held talks too.
The Italian quit the Dutch giants after failing to win the title following a dramatic late collapse.
Farioli said: 'There's a lot of speculation, a lot of rumours. But I do want to get back into coaching.
'Just like it was with Ajax, I don't care about the brand or size of the club. What matters is how things are done, and last summer Ajax was exactly what I was looking for.
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'It was the right step for my career, now we'll see what comes next. We'll see if and when that opportunity arrives.
'I'm a very demanding person. Before I join a club, I lay all my strengths and weaknesses on the table. Demanding is probably the best word to describe me. I want to find a club that's willing to fight alongside me.'
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