Rangers are reportedly closing in on Kevin Muscat as their next head coach, following the departure of Russell Martin after a turbulent four-month spell in charge. The 52-year-old Australian, currently managing Shanghai Port in China, has attracted attention due to his managerial success across Australia, Japan, and China, combined with his previous playing stint at Ibrox in the early 2000s.

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Muscat’s Managerial Track Record

Muscat’s managerial career is distinguished by success in multiple countries:

• Melbourne Victory (Australia): A-League Championship winner twice in five-and-a-half years.
• Yokohama F Marinos (Japan): Won the 2022 J-League and finished runners-up in 2021 and 2023.
• Shanghai Port (China): On the verge of another title, currently leading with four games remaining; scored 96 goals in a 30-game league-winning campaign last season.

Across his tenures, Muscat boasts a 54% win rate, with teams averaging 1.9 goals scored per game while conceding 1.2 goals, reflecting a front-foot, attacking approach.

Despite this impressive record, his only European managerial experience came with Belgian side Sint-Truiden, where he won just two of 14 games and was sacked with the club in relegation trouble. Muscat described the experience as “disappointing and unfortunate” but maintained he could have turned things around with more time.

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Rangers’ Current Situation

Rangers have endured a challenging start to the season:

• Scottish Premiership: Eighth place with just one win in six games.
• Champions League qualifying: Eliminated 9-1 on aggregate by Club Brugge.
• Europa League: Lost their opening two matches.

With Steven Gerrard ruling himself out of the managerial role, Muscat is now considered the leading candidate. Discussions have reportedly taken place with the club, although no deal has been finalized. Should Muscat be appointed, it is expected he would not take charge until the Chinese season concludes on 22 November, with former Rangers midfielder Neil McCann potentially stepping in as interim manager.

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Muscat’s Connection to Rangers

Muscat played for Rangers during the 2002-03 season, winning a domestic treble and making 26 appearances. Known for his fierce competitiveness on the pitch—earning 12 red cards and 123 bookings—he was once branded the “most hated man in football.”

His reputation as a tough, no-nonsense player could endear him to Rangers fans, especially given the team’s struggles this season. While he may not have had a lengthy managerial spell in Europe, his success abroad demonstrates his ability to win titles and manage high-pressure situations.

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Comparisons with Other Managers

Muscat’s managerial trajectory has drawn comparisons to fellow Australian Ange Postecoglou, who also enjoyed success in Australia and Japan before managing Celtic. Both emphasize attacking football, trophy-winning mentality, and strong team discipline—qualities Rangers will hope Muscat can replicate at Ibrox.

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Can Muscat Revive Rangers?

While Rangers face significant challenges domestically and in Europe, Muscat’s experience winning titles across three continents positions him as a potential stabilizing figure. His familiarity with Scottish football from his playing days, combined with a proven ability to deliver silverware, could make him a popular choice among fans seeking to restore Rangers to competitive heights.

If Muscat can replicate even part of his overseas success, he could become a celebrated figure at Ibrox, following in the footsteps of notable Rangers-affiliated managers while instilling confidence in supporters frustrated by a difficult start to the season.