Rangers

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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.

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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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Swansea City centre-back Harry Darling, the 25-year-old who is out of contract this summer, could be Russell Martin's first signing for Rangers should the former Southampton boss be named head coach and fellow former Ibrox defender Maurice Ross would be his assistant. (Record), external

As he continues to be linked with the Rangers head coach vacancy, Davide Ancelotti has confirmed his exit from Real Madrid, saying on his new Instagram page that he is about to "start a new phase for me" as he prepares for his final match as assistant against Real Sociedad on Saturday. (Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Martin Watt
BBC Sport Scotland

Nicolas Raskin began the season on the fringes of the Rangers team. He ended it as their main man.

The Belgium midfielder was a rare shining light in a dismal trophyless season at Ibrox, his impact recognised with the club's player and players' player of the year awards.

After starting just two of Rangers' opening seven games of the campaign, Raskin, 24, quickly made himself indispensable.

Having not scored at all until the end of January, he netted five times in the second half of the season, including three in his final five appearances.

And Raskin's 10 assists in 29 league appearances was the joint highest in the Premiership along with Celtic pair Daizen Maeda and Alistair Johnston.

Raskin's blend of guile and steel makes him vital. He ranks fourth for possession won (187) in the Premiership season and is in the top 10 for duels won (217) as well as chances created from open play (42).

As Rangers lurched towards summer under interim boss Barry Ferguson following the sacking of Philippe Clement, Raskin stood strong as others wilted. He was an Old Firm standout in the 3-2 derby win at Celtic Park - scoring the opener - and 1-1 draw at Ibrox.

His form will no doubt attract suitors this summer, but Raskin, who is under contract for a further two years, has insisted he is no rush to leave Ibrox.

While there may be a temptation to cash in on their prize asset, the incoming new Rangers owners should surely be looking to build a team around Raskin and secure him on a new deal.

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Steven Gerrard indicates he's in Bahrain, not Scotland, as he continues to be linked with a return to the Rangers manager's job. (Sun), external

Reports in Albania suggest Rangers midfielder Nedim Bajrami, 26, could move on but left-back Jefte, 21, is reportedly happy at Ibrox. (Record), external

Bajrami's departure is likely and he has two tabled offers. (Glasgow Times), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

We asked whether you would you like to see Steven Gerrard reappointed as Rangers manager.

Here's what some of you said:

William: No way should Gerrard be next Rangers manager, he's just not up to the task.

Tom: It doesn't really matter who the manager is, it's all about the players that are brought in and whether they can beat the low block that they will face week in week out. Gerrard wouldn't be my first choice but I would take him before an untried manager like Davide Ancelotti.

Alain: Don't want Gerrard back, he had his chance and walked away. I'd bring Giovanni van Bronckhorst back who was very harshly treated and never got the time he deserved after Seville and winning the Scottish Cup. If Gerrard comes back he'll no doubt leave us again when a top English Championship club comes calling.

David: The club should get someone who has never been with Rangers.

Nigel: Definitely. No doubt people will look at trophy stats and be concerned but that doesn't tell the whole story. Build a club from dross to Europa League finalists, created a team of invincibles, and won by far the most important of the nine trophies available. With such a short turnaround, we need someone to hit the ground running. In Gerrard we have that. Let's go!

Ruaridh: The potential return of Gerrard sounds like a fairly safe step in the right direction. He understands the club and fans alike. That said, the club already have a very capable pair of assistants available in the shape of Billy Dodds and Neil McCann. I'd be looking to reinstate that pair ahead of any other potentially less experienced coaches.

Fraser: No, Gerrard should not return. Who's to say he won't leave us in the lurch again and his record since he left is dismal. Not sure what the answer is but we need a manager who has proved themselves as we need to turn things around quickly and put up a credible challenge to our competitors.

Ross: Don't think Gerrard is the answer, but when we look at options available not sure we would get anybody better. Team needs built from back to front. Can't defend, especially set-pieces, and can't break teams down. So an experienced coaching team is required. Don't believe Steven Davis and Jordan Henderson fit the role.

Josh Windass urges Rangers captain James Tavernier to move on from Ibrox and find a club where he is "respected". (Glasgow Times), external

Danny Murphy believes former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard can help Rangers bridge the gap to Celtic, should he return to Ibrox as manager. (Sun), external

Steaua Bucharest owner Gigi Becali launches a bid to sign free agent Ianis Hagi, 26, following the midfielder's departure from Rangers. (Herald - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

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With rumours swirling over an imminent return to Rangers for their title-winning manager Steven Gerrard, the fanbase appears split over the wisdom of such a reappointment.

His mid-season departure for the Premier League, much like Brendan Rodgers before him, left a bitter taste in some fans' mouths, making the prospect of his return difficult for them to swallow, not least because his record since leaving Rangers is unimpressive.

But others point to the manner in which he overhauled an average squad to create an invincible, record-breaking team to stop Celtic's seemingly inevitable capture of ten in a row as well as restoring Rangers' credibility in Europe.

His profile is also one that commands respect and may appeal to the prospective new American owners of the club.

But where Gerrard previously had the wisdom of Gary McAllister and the innovative coaching ability of Michael Beale to aid him, the talk is of a backroom team involving the much-loved but inexperienced Steven Davis and highly talented but even less experienced coaching-wise Jordan Henderson.

If the speculation is accurate, there is less tactical acumen there than in the duo just released by the club of Billy Dodds and Neil McCann.

The names of Davide Ancelotti and Russell Martin are still being circulated but it is Gerrard who is attracting all the headlines right now.

One way or another, it appears Rangers supporters will soon know the identity of their new manager.

Rangers fans, would you like to see Gerrard reappointed?

Tell us here

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David Healy, a former team-mate of Steven Davis with both Rangers and Northern Ireland, has said the former midfielder would be "an asset" if he were to become part of the backroom staff at the Scottish Premiership giants.

Davis has been linked with a coaching role at Rangers should Steven Gerrard return for a second spell as boss.

Gerrard is understood to be one of the leading contenders to take charge after Barry Ferguson's interim term in charge came to an end.

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

The 40-year-old 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.

As a player, Davis made a total of 239 appearances for Rangers during two spells with the club.

"Steve has had the privilege and the honour of being in [at Rangers as a coach] for a little bit and I don't think it fazed him," said Northern Ireland's record men's international goalscorer Healy.

"I don't think anything ever fazed Steve as a player or as a person. He's pretty relaxed, he's pretty comfortable in his own tone and what he wants to say.

"If Rangers feel, when the new manager comes in, whoever he's going to be, feels there's an opportunity for Steve to go in. I think Steve would be an asset to have at Rangers, no matter who the manager is."

Davis is currently part of Michael O'Neill's backroom set-up with Northern Ireland, for whom he won a record 140 caps.

"I know he's going through the process at the minute where he's going to do his coaching badges," said O'Neill.

"He's going through the process of learning and, for me, there is no better role model or apprenticeship than to be working with or in and around Michael O'Neill, who is an incredibly talented coach."

Relegated Leicester City are in advanced talks to appoint former Southampton head coach and ex-Rangers and Scotland defender Russell Martin as their new manager after deciding to sack Ruud van Nistelrooy. (Football Insider), external

Steven Gerrard is set to hold talks with Rangers over the next 48 hours with a view to returning to Ibrox as the club's next manager and the 44-year-old Englishman will not face any tax complications, previously thought to be a possible stumbling block, following his exit from Saudi Arabia in January. (Daily Mail), external

Steven Gerrard has asked Rangers for more time to talk over his return to Glasgow as manager with his wife, Alex, who had hoped they could move from Bahrain to Dubai, but is thought likely to bring former Ibrox midfielder Steven Davis and ex-Anfield team-mate Jordan Henderson with him should he take the job. (Daily Record), external

Betting has been suspended on Steven Gerrard being named the new Rangers head coach, with former Liverpool team-mate Djibril Cisse saying the Englishman is unable to attend his anniversary match next week "for professional reasons". (Glasgow Times), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Following the confirmation that Barry Ferguson is leaving Rangers, we asked for your views on his brief tenure.

Here's what some of you said:

John: Ferguson was put in a difficult position and did well with what he had to play with. Unfortunately we all know this squad just isn't good enough. Although he's leaving the manager's role, I hope they make some space for him in a coaching capacity as he has a lot to offer and is a potential Gers manager in the making.

Allan: Lots of people are saying Ferguson did well with the tools he had, which I agree with, but so did Philippe Clement. They had the same set of players and got the same inconsistent play and results. The team is good at counter-attacking but not good at trying to break down a low block. That is the conundrum for the new manager, to be able to do both.

Murray: Ferguson plugged the holes in a sinking ship, but that's all. His press conferences were both refreshing and alarming when he kept saying "my team" and seemed to be a "me" instead of "we". He also refused to give fringe players a try and was more interested in looking good himself with mediocre wins than trying out players for next season. I'm glad he didn't get the job full-time.

Neil: I thought Barry, Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor did a decent job given the tools he had to work with. These players in a number of cases have been responsible for a number of managers losing their jobs. The highlights were Fenerbahce away and the penalties at Ibrox and the win at Parkhead. I felt Barry and the boys answered the call from Rangers in difficult circumstances and showed what the club means to each of them.

Alan: Not manager material at such a big club but room for improvement, could be a good assistant.

Bobby: The right decision in the end. Ferguson's chances of getting the job permanently were already slim. He didn't get a reaction out of the players who served up the same dross under Clement. His time as manager will be forgotten about quickly.

Ronnie: I feel for Barry. He wanted the job so badly and was let down so many times by a group of players who have been inconsistent all season. Barry didn't fail, the players did. He showed enough in his gameplan and team selections, plus the ability to change things during a game, to convince me at least he could have done the job permanently. However, the decision has been made and I will get behind the new manager. I personally would have Stevie Gerrard or Gio van Bronckhorst back.

Jamie Currie
Fan writer

If ever a 90 minutes summed up our season, the 2-2 draw with Hibs was it.

Start well, referee Nick Walsh does Nick Walsh things. Then we go ahead again, switch off, concede, and miss a few good chances.

I'm glad the season is over and glad to see the club backing John Brown, external as well over his strong criticism on Rangers TV of refereeing standards. It's about time the club stood up for itself.

Barry Ferguson is leaving and so too is Leon Balogun. Hopefully it's the start of a sweeping change at the club.

This season will be consigned to the bin very quickly. We will learn nothing analysing it or going over the wrongdoings of managers and board members along the way.

Let's just be thankful it's over and hopefully we have more positive times just around the corner.

There is a lot of work to be done for whoever the new manager will be. There should be a massive turnover of staff but the one thing I am hoping for as a fan is a transfer strategy that builds a spine of the team that can handle the pressure and intensity of being a Rangers player.

Let's see what the summer brings.

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has been identified as the Ibrox club's preferred candidate following the decision not to retain interim head coach Barry Ferguson, with Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti and former Southampton boss Russell Martin having also been on the shortlist. (Daily Mail), external

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and former Ibrox defender Russell Martin have emerged as the leading contenders to be the club's next team boss and a decision could be made by the end of this week following final talks. (Scottish Sun), external

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is a serious contender to be Rangers head coach, but Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti has also held discussions with the Scottish Premiership club and former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard remains under consideration. (TeamTalk), external

Danny Rohl's multi-million-pound release clause with Sheffield Wednesday is likely to prohibit a Rangers move for the highly-rated coach. (Football Insider), external

Former Rangers manager Steven Gerrard and Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti are just two names that have been sounded out over taking charge at Ibrox, while former Southampton manager Russell Martin, ex-Luton Town boss Rob Edwards are also under consideriation and Sheffield Wednesday's Danny Rohl could also make the final shortlist, with no front runner at this stage. (Sky Sports), external

Bookmakers have slashed the odds on Steven Gerrard returning to Rangers as manager and he has emerged as favourite with the Ibrox club waiting on a response from Real Madrid Davide Ancelotti, who is considering his options amid interest from a number of clubs this summer. (Glasgow Times), external

Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti is leaving the Spanish club with father Carlo, who is taking charge of the Brazil national team, but is expected to move on after the two World Cup qualifiers with Ecuador and Paraguay in June to begin his career as a head coach. (The Athletic), external

The Scottish FA compliance officer is set to review comments made by former defender John Brown on Rangers TV querying the integrity of officials during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hibernian. (The Herald), external

Rangers have branded the possibility of disciplinary action after John Brown's "corrupt" outburst on Rangers TV as "excessive, surprising and inconsistent". (The National), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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