Rangers

Danny Rohl is back in contention to be Rangers head coach and the Ibrox board aim to make an appointment before Thursday's match against Brann. (Scottish Sun)

German Rohl initially informed Rangers he did not want to remain in the frame for the job over timeframe frustrations. (The Herald)

A deal to appoint Kevin Muscat as Russell Martin's successor collapsed because the former Rangers defender wants to complete the Chinese Super League season with current club Shanghai Port. (Daily Record)

Rangers have intimated they are now not prepared to wait until December for Muscat, putting Rohl firmly back on the agenda. (The Scotsman)

Muscat is believed to have concerns over the recruitment model at Rangers. (TalkSport)

Former Rangers and Scotland winger Chris Burke has ended his eight-year association with Kilmarnock to pursue a new opportunity. (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Watch all the highlights as Dundee United fight back to draw 2-2 with Rangers in Scottish Premiership

We asked for your thoughts after Rangers' 2-2 draw with Dundee United.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

James: Bojan Miovski was an empty shirt yesterday and will need to improve if he wants to play for Rangers. Good to see Thelo Aasgard getting on scoresheet for Rangers. A first half that was everything it should have been, except the goals.

Sue: Just when you thought this team had morphed into a dynamic attacking force now that the shackles of Russell Martin had been shaken off we witnessed their vulnerability and inherent weaknesses. There is also what you might call nastiness amongst the crowd who very quickly turned when Rangers looked like losing again.

Billy: The first half was such a different, positive Rangers. However in the second half we reverted to type. Warriors to worriers. So, so disappointing. It's blatantly obvious that too many players hide.

Colin: Too late in making changes. Team lost their way early in second half - why leave it until 70 mins to change? Needed the drive of Lyall Cameron or Connor Barron early on but left Joe Rothwell on. Steven Smith should have acted and been decisive.

Brian: First half performance flattered to deceive with the positivity of the crowd pushing for more goals but they never materialised so the game was left in the balance. It all reverted to type in the second half for Rangers and the negativity of the crowd very quickly resurfaced in the blink of an eye as another demoralising defeat was on the cards. Some positivity from the game but overall the weaknesses of this team were exposed all too easily.

Callum: Even though we didn't win it was a much improved performance from the drivel Russell Martin was producing. Defensive weaknesses have to be addressed and I'm sure once Kevin Muscat gets his claws into them things will get better.

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Rangers' goalkeeper Jack Butland admitted he'd "love to know what goes through" his teammates' heads, as his side surrendered a lead against Dundee United and were forced to rescue a late draw.

The first half against United was an improvement on Rangers' recent performances, but only James Tavernier's late equaliser saved a point.

"Demoralising for everybody when you put in a first half like that, people express themselves, we put in a good performance, some exciting stuff," Butland said.

"To go from that to what happened at 2-1 down, I'd love to know exactly what goes through half the lads heads at times - how do we get ourselves in that position?"

Former left-back Stevie Smith took charge of the side on Saturday as the search for a new manager goes on, following Russell Martin's sacking a fortnight ago.

"It's the story of the season really," Butland added. "What happened between going 1-0 up and 2-1 down is nowhere near good enough.

"What this club needs is a group, a squad, a togetherness that lives and breathes what this club is about. It's not getting that, it's not been shown enough."

It was a brutally honest assessment from Butland, now in his third season as Rangers' number one.

"I have to be careful about how I say things but that's the truth and reality of it," he said. "That's what the fans are seeing. It can't be turned on on a matchday, or done occasionally in training.

"It's a mentality of winning, of desire. It doesn't have to pretty. That should have been a 1-0, worst case scenario."

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell and chief executive Patrick Stewart were targeted by fuming Rangers fans following yesterday's 2-2 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox. (Daily Record), external

Kevin Thelwell will be given the January transfer window to redeem himself at Rangers, with a decision on his future unlikely to be made until closer to the end of the season. (Football Insider), external

Former Hearts and Dundee United coach Gordon Forrest, assistant manager at Shenzhen Peng City, says "no-nonsense" Rangers target Kevin Muscat still possesses all the heart-on-sleeve energy that characterised his playing career as he closes in on a second title in China. (Daily Record), external

Shanghai Port winger Oscar Melendo tells Rangers fans that incoming boss Kevin Muscat is the most attacking coach he's ever had. (Daily Record), external

Rangers will continue to hold annual general meetings despite the move from PLC to limited company meaning they are no longer necessary. (Scottish Sun), external

Image source, SNS

Rangers caretaker boss Steven Smith: "I think I understand the reasons why [the game changed]. Dundee United changed their aggression, started winning second balls, gained territory.

"That changed the game and we didn't change with it, which is disappointing. We managed to get an equaliser, so I'll give them a wee bit of credit for that.

"But we need to recognise in those moments when it gets tough, you need to have killed the game off or match the level of aggression [from the opposition] to go again.

"People will ask me 'did I enjoy today?'. I won't because I know what the expectations are, it's to win the game and that was the message to the players. I'm just disappointed we didn't do that today.

"At this moment, you need to feel the emotion. And the emotion is we didn't win. Consistency doesn't just happen Saturday to Saturday, it happens every day.

"They need to be consistent with their habits every day. When it gets tough, you stick together.

"Its not the moment to speak about [my future]. I'm just preparing for training tomorrow. I can't comment on any speculation."

Managerless Rangers' wait for a first home Scottish Premiership win of the season continued after a four-goal thriller with Dundee United ended in a draw at Ibrox.

Have your say on the game here.

Read our match report here.

Image source, Getty Images

Rangers have still to agree final details on a seven-figure compensation package for Shanghai Port head coach Kevin Muscat - who has a contract with the Chinese champions until December 2026. (Daily Record), external

The earliest Shanghai Port can secure a second successive title under Kevin Muscat is 31 October, which could mean the Australian is in charge of Rangers for the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Celtic on 2 November. (Rangers Review), external

Kevin Muscat is expected to have funds available for signings in January, with minutes from a recent meeting of the Rangers' fan advisory board saying "managerial changes have a financial impact but were not currently expected to materially affect future budgets". (Glasgow Times), external

Kevin Muscat could go on to enjoy unprecedented success at Rangers, but the Ibrox board still wouldn't deserve any credit, says former striker Kris Boyd, who believes the recruitment process has been "based on indecision and hesitancy". (Scottish Sun - subscription required), external

Image source, SNS

Mohamed Diomande is the only absentee from the Rangers squad which drew with Falkirk. Long-term absentees Rabbi Matondo (knee), Dujon Sterling (Achilles) and Kieran Dowell remain out.

Dundee United have no fresh injuries. Owen Stirton has stepped up his recovery from an ankle problem while Ross Graham, Max Watters (both hamstring) and Isaac Pappoe (knee) remain out.

We asked for your views on Danny Rohl dropping out of the race to become the next head coach of Rangers as Kevin Muscat emerged as the frontrunner.

Here's what some of you said:

Fergus: Rohl was not a leader. We need someone who can make Rangers tough again, and that is Muscat.

Ross: Taking another young manager with limited experience outside of the English second tier would have been too risky off the back of Russell Martin, who was essentially the same thing. I'm glad Rohl ruled himself out rather than facing rejection, because the fans (myself included) wouldn't have liked him much to start with and we all know how that story ends. I think we should be considering a return for Barry Ferguson, at least until Muscat becomes available in November.

David: We could have had Muscat a couple of years ago. Never mind, he's now more experienced and a proven winner. Let's get this deal over the line with him in place as soon as possible. Rohl was too big of a risk, rinse and repeat waiting to happen. Looks like lessons were learned after the Martin fiasco. Fair play to Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe for admitting their mistakes in the Martin appointment.

Alan: We have seen candidate after candidate distance themselves from the Ibrox job, this just proves that the job is seen as a poisoned chalice. I wasn't keen on seeing Rohl or Steven Gerrard at Rangers but the process is turning into another circus at our once great club.

Iain: At the present time Rohl is just another Martin. Big mistake to be even thinking about him. Quite happy with Muscat, but I would also have liked Giovanni van Bronckhorst to have been considered.

Thomas: Muscat will have an instant impact at Rangers. He is an ex-player for us and knows what it is all about in Glasgow. When Ange Postecoglou appeared everybody said Ange who? And he did not too badly across the city. I expect Muscat to liven things up and get this team moving, onwards and upwards.

Image source, Getty Images

Kevin Muscat's Shanghai Port edged closer to securing back-to-back league titles as speculation about his return to Ibrox intensifies.

In an end-to-end first half, Shanghai Port were 3-2 ahead after just 40 minutes, before a late goal for both sides made sure of a nervy finish to a potentially pivotal game in the title race, as Muscat's side triumphed 4-3.

Former Rangers defender Muscat is in a three-way race for the Chinese Super League title with Chengdu Rongcheng and Shanghai Shenhua, who are both in action this afternoon.

Rangers are close to agreeing a deal to secure Kevin Muscat as their new head coach, with personal terms and details still to be finalised.

It is understood Rangers and Muscat were sensitive about upsetting plans for today's match by formally agreeing a deal between both clubs before kick-off.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Defender John Souttar says Rangers players must "take responsibility" for the performances and results which eventually led to the sacking of Russell Martin as manager.

The former Southampton boss was relieved of his duties following the 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock before the international break which left Rangers eighth in the table with eight points after seven matches.

"Yes, the players have got to take responsibility," Souttar said.

"We're the ones that take the pitch. Whatever manager is here, whatever manager is not here, the lads have got to take responsibility because there were games where we weren't good enough - attacking defensively, on the ball, off the ball."

And the centre-back also believes the onus is on players to try and turn results around, starting from this weekend against Dundee United.

"We need to stand up and be counted and as players," he added.

"We've got to take a lot of responsibility at the weekend and that's what we'll do."

Steven Smith will take charge of the first team for the match at Ibrox with former Rangers defender Kevin Muscat close to agreeing a deal to join the club as head coach.

But Souttar acknowledges that the owners face an important decision in bringing in a new manager describing it as "a massive appointment".

"I think everyone understands how important it is," he added.

"And that's probably why the people in charge are taking their time to do that. And rightly so, because it is a massive appointment."

"And whoever comes in will have the full backing of everyone at the club and the players as well because ultimately we're the exact same as the supporters, as everyone involved. We want to win games and we want this club to be successful."

Image source, SNS

Steven Smith is well aware there has been a "period of pain" at Rangers, but hopes he can give something back to fans who have "earned the right to vent their frustration" after a dismal start to the season.

After Russell Martin's dismissal, the club are yet to appoint a new manager after former title-winning manager Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl both withdrew from consideration during the international break.

Former Ibrox player Kevin Muscat is close to being appointed, with Smith tasked with at least one game in charge of the side he spent two spells at as a player.

Throughout Martin's short tenure at the club, there were multiple fan protests against the head coach and the club's hierarchy, with the former Southampton boss requiring a police escort after their 1-1 draw with Falkirk.

Rangers start the weekend in eighth place, with only eight points from their opening seven top-flight games, and just one league win so far this season.

"There's been a period of pain and they've had to suffer a lot," Smith said.

"If there's ever been a fan base who have earned the right to vent their frustrations, it's this one".

"And I understand it, it works both ways, I think there comes a point where, I think they know when you need them, but there comes a point where the group of players and staff need to take that on board, and they need to give them something back.

"So we'll be looking to give them a performance tomorrow that makes them happy.

Many fans have been particularly critical of the side's style of play, something Smith hopes he has simplified for the squad as he worked with them over the international break.

The former Rangers, Kilmarnock, and Aberdeen defender is currently the Ibrox club's under-19s boss and will step into the first team dugout for the first time this weekend.

The 40-year-old admits he "would be lying" if he didn't say he wants "to be involved in the first team at any moment".

"I think there are a few things," Smith says when asked what the players need in this difficult moment for the club.

"Probably clarity is the most important thing in terms of the tactical side of the game.

"I think we tried to put a bit of work into them yesterday, and we'll do more of that today.

"But probably just to strip it back and simplify it and remind them that they are a good group, they are a good group of players for what I've seen.

"But, words are cheap and I think there's been a lot of people who sat here and promised certain things, but it's up to them now to go and put that into practice tomorrow."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Rangers under-19s coach Stevie Smith, who will take interim charge of the team this weekend as their managerial search continues, spoke with the media ahead of their game against Dundee United.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Smith says he has tried to keep everything "as normal as possible" for the squad, adding that he's taking his temporary role "day by day".

• The 40-year-old revealed he was asked to take training early last week, but admits he didn't expect to be in the Rangers dugout for the Dundee United game.

• On the potential appointment of Kevin Muscat, Smith says he was a young player when Muscat was at Rangers, and remembers him "being pleasant to young players", and says he's "probably" the kind of character the club needs right now.

• He admits that "the mood was down" in the first few sessions he took, with a lot of the squad away on international duty, but it has now lifted with "full focus" on their game on Saturday.

• A "tough game" is expected against Dundee United, with Smith adding that he trusts his own "processes" and "methods", adding that he has "stripped things back" and "kept them simple".

• He says performances and results have to "turn around now", but believes they can as "things can change quickly."

• Smith, who had two spells at Ibrox as a player, emphasises that the side "have to start winning, and that starts tomorrow" after the side picked up just eight points from their opening seven games in the league.

• In terms of his future with the first team, Smith says he's taking things "day by day", admits he's "ambitious, and would love to be involved," but this isn't about him.

• Mohamed Diomande will be absent at the weekend for Rangers through injury.

Image source, Getty Images

Kevin Muscat has agreed a multi-year contract to become the next Rangers head coach, but discussions over a compensation package are still being discussed with Shanghai Port and the 52-year-old is not expected to make the move to Glasgow until next month, once the Chinese Super League comes to a close, with former Ibrox team-mate Neil McCann in line to be part of his backroom team. (Daily Record), external

Current Shanghai Port head of high performance Les Gelis could join Kevin Muscat's Rangers backroom team along with coaches Ross Aloisi and Vince Lerardo. (Daily Record), external

Nicolas Raskin is on Tottenham Hotspur's radar, but that should not stop Russell Martin's replacement as Rangers head coach building a team around the 24-year-old Belgian midfielder. (Daily Mail), external

Rangers could struggle to keep hold of Nicolas Raskin, with Leeds United having previously expressed an interest in the Belgium midfielder and Tottenham Hotspur having placed the 24-year-old on their transfer radar. (Football Insider), external

Rangers' negotiations to appoint Kevin Muscat as their new head coach are nearing completion and the Australian is expected to arrive after 22 November once his Shanghai Port commitments conclude, with a £1.5m compensation fee sealing the deal. (TeamTalk), external

Should Kevin Muscat not leave Shanghai Port for Rangers until 22 November, he will miss eight fixtures - against Dundee United, Kilmarnock, Hibernian, Dundee and Livingston in the Premiership, against Brann and Roma in the Europa League, plus the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Celtic. (Glasgow Times), external

Youth team coach Stevie Smith will take charge of Rangers' first team for Saturday's Premiership visit by Dundee United, but he does not have a Uefa Pro Licence and cannot remain in charge for Thursday night's Europa League tie with Brann Bergen. (Scottish Sun), external

Kevin Muscat's former Rangers team-mate, Neil McCann, could take interim charge at Ibrox before the Australian arrives from Shanghai Port to become head coach. (TalkSport), external