Rangers

Chris McLaughlin
BBC Scotland sports news correspondent

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Given the months of speculation, the takeover announcement comes as no surprise, but what it does give us is the first glimpse of what the new consortium are all about.

The fans have been forced to endure another season of Celtic dominance but, for them, the impending takeover has provided some light at the end of what has seemed like a tunnel with no end.

This is a fanbase bruised and battered by placing faith in saviours who, in recent years, promised a lot and delivered little. They should be forgiven for casting a suspicious eye over any group or individuals who claim that this time it will be different.

In that respect, the new group have said very little so far, but the news of a £20m investment - the vast majority of which, I've been told - will go on football operations, will be broadly welcomed.

Those who hoped the entire might of the San Francisco 49ers would be thrown at Ibrox on day one might, perhaps, be disappointed. However, that was never going to be the case.

It is £20m the club didn't have last week, but will it be enough to provide the immediate success the supporters crave?

Throwing money at footballing problems is only part of the answer. This new group feel their expertise will be as important as their financial muscle, and that will be interesting to monitor going forward. The takeover announcement is a milestone on a much longer journey.

Now it's about laying the rest of the path and proving with actions that they'll deliver what the fans have demanded for so long - the dominance of Scottish football.

A new era has begun at Rangers.

An American consortium, led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, has taken control of the Ibrox club and promised £20m of investment in football operations this summer.

American health tycoon Cavenagh is now the Rangers chairman, with 49ers Enterprises president - and Leeds United chairman - Paraag Marathe joining as vice-chairman.

Rangers say the new consortortim's vision for the club will prioritise "on-pitch performance and long-term financial sustainability".

Rangers fans, what is your initial reaction to the takeover? Pure positivity or are there any reservations? And what should the new owners' priorities be this summer other than appointing a manager?

Share your views here.

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Andrew Cavenagh has expressed his determination to "bring Rangers back to where it belongs - at the top" after his American consortium completed its takeover of the club.

"We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers board, shareholders, staff, and supporters," said Cavenagh, who is now Ibrox chairman.

"This club's history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn't win matches. We know that the true way to honour the club's heritage will be to drive performance. Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs - at the top."

Paraag Marathe, who will hold dual roles as Leeds United chairman and Rangers vice-chairman, said: "At 49ers Enterprises, we have built a track record of sporting and business success, but our driving motivation is our deep connection to the clubs and communities we serve.

"We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club, and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come."

Fraser Thornton, who relinquishes his role as Rangers chairman but remains on the board, said the new ownership "represents a significant step forward" for the club.

He added: "The incoming shareholders bring not only funding but also deep expertise in strategic planning, infrastructure development, and sporting excellence.

"On behalf of Rangers, I also want to put on record our appreciation to the outgoing board members who have selflessly served the club. I also want to acknowledge our major shareholders whose backing has brought the club to this point, the vast majority of whom have chosen to reinvest in the club and continue with us on the next stage of the journey."

Rangers have spoken to Francesco Farioli about becoming their new manager and the former Ajax boss will rival Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin for the chance to replace Philippe Clement. (Scottish Sun), external

Steven Gerrard is out of the running to make a return to Rangers because the timing was not right despite positive initial talks. (Rangers Review), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Rangers could appoint Davide Ancelotti as their new head coach by the end of this week, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

The Ibrox club held fresh talks with the Italian last week as they seek a permanent successor to Philippe Clement, who was sacked in February.

Chief executive Patrick Stewart is leading the recruitment process amid Rangers' ongoing takeover process and Balague says Ancelotti is the leading candidate.

"That's my understanding and for Davide, it's the first choice," Balague told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland.

"There is a waiting period here, because I've got the impression he would like everything wrapped up in the next few days.

"If Rangers delay, there are other options for him, including joining his father Carlo with Brazil. He has decided to be a number one and Rangers are his first choice.

"News could happen this week. That is off the back of the last meeting in London. If we reach 5 June, it might be too late and Davide might look somewhere else.

"We're talking about somebody who is going to have a very good career in football. He has been crucial in the period that Carlo Ancelotti has been at Real Madrid."

Balague also clarified comments he made regarding legendary Croatia midfielder Luka Modric and a potential move to Glasgow.

"It was a bit of a teaser," he said.

"What I said was that Luka was asked and he didn't commit to anything. The point was that Davide has access to big talent.

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Robbie Fraser says he's ready to "kick on" and make an impact at Rangers after helping Livingston to promotion.

The 22-year-old full-back made 23 appearances for the Lions after joining on loan in January and played every minute of their play-off campaign as David Martindale's men secured a Premiership return at the first attempt.

Now he has returned to Ibrox eager to impress whoever is appointed manager.

"I thought the level of the Championship was extremely high," Fraser told the Rangers website.

"It's a really demanding league and very competitive. Even going into the play-offs and then playing against Ross County, there's not a great deal between the bottom half of the Premiership and the top half of the Championship. It shows you how competitive Scottish football can be.

"It was exactly what I wanted - to go out and prove myself. I firmly believe I'm capable of playing for Rangers.

"I'll firstly enjoy my break and switch off, but I'll be preparing as hard as ever to go in as ready as I can be.

"There's a lot of excitement and fresh eyes, so it's about keeping myself in the best shape possible and trying to impress.

"I feel in a much better place in all parts of my game. I've got the games under my belt and have experience, so I'm in a good place to go and kick on at Rangers."

Major shareholder Dave King thinks Steven Gerrard is the "obvious choice" to become the next Rangers manager, saying the Englishman has "unfinished business" at Ibrox after leading them to one league title already. (Rangers Review), external

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard looked to be leading the race to replace Philippe Clement in the Ibrox dugout but has now been overtaken by Davide Ancelotti, who has left his role as Real Madrid assistant. (Daily Record), external

Rangers will finalise a new manager appointment after their US-backed takeover by Leeds United owners 49ers Enterprises is ratified and confirmed - and former Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti is the prime candidate and front-runner to be appointed. (Football Insider), external

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard will join TNT Sports' panel for coverage of Saturday's Champions League final between Internazionale and Paris Saint-Germain but remains favourite to return to the Scottish Premiership club as their new head coach. (TalkSport), external

Rangers' interest in out-of-contract Dundee midfielder Josh Mulligan is on hold until the Ibrox club appoint a new head coach, but the 22-year-old has other options, with Charlton Athletic and Salford City also interested. (Daily Record), external

Trabzonspor are locked in talks with Wolfsburg about a £9m move for winger Vaclav Cerny – £3.5m more than the reported cut-price fee Rangers could have paid at the end of the 27-year-old's loan at Ibrox. (Daily Record), external

Djurgarden winger Oskar Fallenius, 23, has been scouted by Celtic and Rangers for several matches. (Fotbolldirekt, external in Swedish)

Sunderland are interested in bringing Jordan Henderson back to his hometown club, but the 34-year-old midfielder is also wanted by Rangers and two Serie A outfits as he considers leaving Ajax this summer. (Mirror), external

Colo-Colo midfielder Vicente Pizarro is not on Rangers' radar despite reports of interest in the 24-year-old Chilean. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

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Image source, Getty Images

Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers scored his third goal for Nigeria to help his country to a 2-1 win over Ghana in the Unity Cup semi-final at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford.

The 30-year-old, earning his seventh cap, gathered a low cross from Remo Star right-back Sodiq Ismail on his chest after a slip from Razak Simpson and slotted home coolly from 12 yards after just 15 minutes.

Dessers' second Nigeria goal had also come in London in a 2-1 win over Ghana, from the penalty spot, in the same friendly competition a year ago.

This time, Nations centre-half Simpson deflected the ball into his own net for Nigeria's second goal and, although Coventry City forward Brandon Thomas-Asante prodded in a reply from eight yards with 20 minutes remaining, it was Dessers' side who progress to the final.

The Unity Cup holders will face Jamaica, who beat Trinidad & Tobago 3-2 on Tuesday, at Brentford on Saturday - new head coach Eric Chelle's fourth game in charge.

Former Rangers midfielder Steven Davis says it is "hard to envisage himself not being back at the club in some capacity in the future" amid speculation linking him with a backroom role with the Scottish Premiership giants.

The 140-times capped Northern Ireland international has been mooted as part of a potential coaching ticket should former title-winning manager Steven Gerrard return for a second spell in charge of the club.

Gerrard has been one of a number of possible contenders linked with the vacancy at Rangers in recent weeks, although it is reported that Davide Ancelotti has held talks with the Ibrox club, with further discussions planned over the next few days.

Davis had two spells at the club as player, making a total of 239 appearances.

The 40-year-old was put in temporary control of first-team affairs following the departure of former manager Michael Beale in October 2023.

He was caretaker boss for two games, a Europa League defeat by Aris Limassol and a league win over St Mirren, before Philippe Clement was appointed to the position on a permanent basis.

"At this moment in time it's only rumours. I haven't heard anything else," said Davis of speculation linking him with a coaching role under a new Rangers boss.

"Obviously the club are going through the process in terms of who they are going to appoint as manager.

"If the opportunity comes up it's obviously a club that's obviously very close to my heart, so let's see what happens in the next few weeks."

Davis, currently part of Michael O'Neill's backroom team with Northern Ireland, would welcome a return to the club he holds in great affection at some stage.

"For me it's hard to envisage me not being back at the club in some capacity in the future whatever that may be, but you just don't know in football," he added in an interview with BBC Sport NI.

"You can't sort of plan that, you just have to wait for the opportunities and then once you have a decision to make then you make the decision.

"Ultimately I want Rangers to be successful, they had another difficult season, but hopefully they can get back to winning trophies next season."

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Ninety-four days have passed since Rangers sacked Philippe Clement, yet the wait goes on for the Ibrox club to appoint the Belgian's permanent successor.

Former club captain Barry Ferguson took the reins for the remainder of the season, and despite memorable wins away to Fenerbahce and Celtic, the ex-Scotland midfielder's interim spell fizzled out with the Govan side's miserable season.

Speculation on who the next Rangers boss will be continues to swirl amid takeover talks, with Davide Ancelotti, Steven Gerrard, Russell Martin and Brian Priske all heavily linked.

On the lengthy search, former Rangers forward Rory Loy told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast: "I think Rangers would have liked to have somebody in place by now.

"They'll have known for quite some time that Ferguson wasn't going to be the man to take them forward. Contract talks these days can sometimes rumble on for weeks and weeks. They'll want to avoid that.

"But you've got to balance that up with getting the right man in the door. I'm surprised at this moment in time that they don't have somebody in place.

"In terms of how it's going to work from top to bottom, Rangers may feel that the summer signings will come from above and it'll be a coach to work with the team, so having the manager in place at this moment in time maybe isn't as important.

"But it's always nice to get a head start if you're going to be appointed as the manager."

American health tycoon Andrew Cavenagh, who is the driving force behind the proposed takeover of Rangers, will meet the frontrunners for the Scottish Premiership club's head coach job - departing Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and former Southampton boss Russell Martin - this week. (Daily Record)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

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Rangers will host Club Brugge and Middlesbrough this summer as part of their preparations for the 2025-26 season.

The Belgian Pro League runners-up visit Ibrox on 6 July before Michael Carrick's English Championship side are welcomed on 26 July.

Rangers' pre-season plans start with a training camp at England's St George's Park facility on 23 June.

The real stuff starts for Rangers, who currently remain managerless and with a takeover nearing completion, when they start their Champions League qualifying campaign at the second round stage on 22-23 July.

Former Rangers defender Russell Martin remains one of the names in the frame to be Ibrox boss and will meet with the Scottish Premiership club this week to make a fresh pitch to become head coach despite interest from Leicester City. (Scottish Sun), external

Leicester City have now reached a full agreement with former Southampton boss and ex-Rangers defender Russell Martin to become the relegated club's new manager. (Football Insider), external

Exiting Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti is in a strong position to become the next Rangers manager and is desperate for the job, while Steven Gerrard is still in contention for an Ibrox return, but Russell Martin now looks set to become the new Leicester City boss and sacked Feyenoord head coach Brian Priske is behind the other two as things stand. (TeamTalk), external

Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson is open to a new adventure, having been present as former club Sunderland beat Sheffield United to secure promotion to the Premier League and also being linked to Rangers should Steven Gerrard return as manager, while the Dutch club want rid of the 34-year-old's salary. (De Telegraaf), external

Northern Ireland head coach Michael O'Neill says he would not want to lose Steven Davis from his backroom team if Northern Ireland's record appearance holder returns to Rangers amid speculation the midfield great could be part of a dream ticket with Steven Gerrard to go back to Ibrox. (Belfast Telegraph), external

Injury-plagued Rangers striker Danilo was a board signing despite being further down the target list than Cyriel Dessers under then manager Michael Beale. (Daily Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Carlo Ancelotti says he does "not think it's right" for son Davide to be with him in Brazil as he is "currently in negotiations with a European team".

On 13 May, BBC Scotland reported Davide had been approached about becoming Rangers manager, but the Ibrox club had not yet established a leading candidate for the job.

Speaking at his Brazil unveiling, Ancelotti did not divulge which club his son was speaking to but confirmed he is not with him at present.

"Davide is currently in negotiations with a European team," the former Real Madrid and AC Milan boss said.

"I don't think it's right for him to come with me. If he goes to a club, I wish him the best. And if not, he can come back to us at any time."

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After BBC Sport reported that former Feyenoord manager Brian Priske is a contender for the Rangers job after holding talks with the club, we asked you for your thoughts on the prospect of him taking over.

Here's what some of you said:

Craig: Priske-y business. Glasgow's goldfish bowl needs someone who can handle the pressure of winning every game. No offence, but this sounds like Philippe Clement all over again. I know there will be Arne Slot comparisons, but it seems risky.

Dougie: "Inconsistent results and a lack of chemistry" - I think we've got that covered already! Not more of the same, please!

Mike: Good manager. Did very well at Sparta Prague and had a very high win rate. Only lost five league games in two seasons (13 in all competitions). Did well in Denmark as well. He struggled at Feyenoord but from a quick search, it seems like he had the deck very much stacked against him. Lost all their best players and director of football made a mess of the squad. Lots of injuries and the board made him change his style to be more possession based. Not completely blameless but not as bad as on paper. Not sure who I want but wouldn't be the worst appointment. I'd definitely prefer him over Steven Gerrard or Russell Martin.

David: A 50% win record for the third biggest club in Dutch league. It's hardly inspiring stuff.

Craig: Hardly inspiring. A mediocre manager with "a lack of chemistry" sounds sadly familiar. Rangers need some inspiration, not another Clement.

Billy: "Inconsistent results and a lack of chemistry". Mr Priske sounds like a Dutch version of Mr Clement, so it's a no from me. This appointment will be the most important in the club's history, so we need to get it right.

George: Hardly a glittering career, Rangers are bigger than this.

Former Scotland defender Russell Martin - who has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Rangers - will replace Ruud van Nistelrooy in the Leicester City dugout with an announcement "imminent". (Football Insider), external

Davide Ancelotti is about to commit to Rangers as their new head coach for the next season after leaving his role as assistant to father Carlo with Real Madrid. (Ramon Alvarez on X), external

Rangers will hold further discussions with Davide Ancelotti in the coming days as they look to conclude their manager search. (Rangers Review), external

Out-of-work Marco Rose is rocketing up the next Rangers manager shortlist, but the Ibrox club could face a hefty price if they wish to appoint the German as Bild reports that the 48-year-old also linked with Roma is still under contract despite being relieved of his duties by RB Leipzig and his former club might require a compensation fee. (Sunday Mail), external

Former Aberdeen boss Neil Warnock has revealed his disappointment at never managing Rangers, with the 76-year-old saying the job "would have been ideal for me at one point" but "there was always somebody behind the scenes who wanted somebody else". (The Herald On Sunday), external

Rangers now know they will face either Brann, Panathinaikos or Servette in the Champions League second qualifying round next season. (The Herald On Sunday), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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