Rangers: Kevin Muscat leads race to succeed Russell Martin

Kevin Muscat, a former Rangers player, has emerged as the favorite to replace Russell Martin as the manager of Rangers. The club is actively engaged in discussions with various managerial candidates, with Muscat being a top contender after Steven Gerrard declined the opportunity to return. Muscat, who played for Rangers in the early 2000s, is currently managing Chinese side Shanghai Port, and any potential deal would require him to remain there until the Chinese league season ends on November 22.

If an agreement is reached with Muscat, former Rangers midfielder Neil McCann is being considered as an interim manager to bridge the gap until Muscat becomes available. Rangers have emphasized that no final decision has been made, and negotiations with other targets are still ongoing as they compile a new shortlist of candidates.

Muscat has a successful managerial track record, having won league titles in Australia with Melbourne Victory, in Japan with Yokohama F Marinos, and in China with his current club. As a player, he had spells in England with teams like Crystal Palace, Wolves, and Millwall, and he was part of the Rangers squad that achieved a domestic treble in the 2002-03 season, making 26 appearances.

Russell Martin was appointed manager following a takeover by a US-led consortium but lasted only 123 days due to poor performance. Rangers are currently struggling, sitting eighth in the Scottish Premiership with just one win in six games, being eliminated from Champions League qualifying with a 9-1 aggregate loss to Club Brugge, and losing their first two Europa League matches.

During his 19-year playing career, Muscat was known for his aggressive style, accumulating 123 bookings and 12 red cards, and was once referred to as the "most hated man in football."