Frank Lampard and Chris Wilder have been added to Rangers’ short list of candidates to succeed Michael Beale at Ibrox, according to Glasgow World.
The website stated on Monday, October 2nd, that the former managers of Chelsea and Everton and Sheffield United, along with the former defender Kevin Muscat, comprised the initial shortlist of three candidates to succeed Beale in Glasgow.
While Lampard was most recently employed by Chelsea on an interim basis at Stamford Bridge and is interested in looking for a way back into high level football, Wilder has been without a club since his short-term stint with Watford terminated at the end of the 2022–23 season.
Barry Anderson noted in his explanation of the interest in both candidates: “[Wilder] is a passionate supporter of Scottish football and possesses in-depth knowledge of the league, players within it, and the overall landscape. While looking to return to top-level management, clubs in England are also interested in his services, but Rangers think highly of him.
“[Lampard] is also looking for a way to get back into high-level football. The 45-year-old would command a high wage considering his southern-based upbringing. Rangers are resolved not to rush their next appointment and will cast a wide net in search of Beale’s long-term replacement.
Two of the initial candidates for the open managerial position at Ibrox are managers whose previous teams did not hire them at the start of the current season, which says a lot. Those in charge at Ibrox may find this to be a difficult recruitment mission.
Wilder has demonstrated in the past that he is more than capable of leading a successful squad in the top division. His Sheffield United team, which he built from the bottom up, was a force to be reckoned with in their debut Premier League season.
Wilder has demonstrated in the past that he is more than capable of leading a successful squad in the top division. His Sheffield United team, which he built from the bottom up, was a force to be reckoned with in their debut Premier League season.
But that was a team that had been assembled in his image and that played the type of football he preferred. The foundation of this Rangers club was laid by Beale, and Wilder has demonstrated in his most recent positions that he hasn’t quite been able to replicate the alchemy that made him so successful at Bramall Lane.
Lampard has undoubtedly failed in every position he has held since his first departure from Chelsea, but everyone else who has led Chelsea and Everton before or after him has also done so. Given the similarities to Steven Gerrard’s stint at Ibrox, there will likely be some interest from Glasgow, although it would be a gamble.
Given his experience in Japan and Australia and his comparable coaching approach to Ange Postecoglou, Muscat is the only candidate who has constantly been mentioned as a candidate for the position. He may be the greatest option for the Gers at this time. However, it doesn’t appear that Rangers supporters should anticipate a quick appointment this time.
