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Breaking News; Rangers Set for Major Change: Former Northern Ireland Captain Linked to take over after Philippe Clement’s SHOCKING exit. Is he the Perfect replacement for Philippe Clement
Former Northern Ireland captain and Rangers legend Steven Davis is emerging as a leading candidate to take on a more significant role at Ibrox following the departure of manager Philippe Clement.
Davis, who currently holds a coaching position with the Northern Ireland national team, is among the favorites to return to Rangers, according to bookmakers.
The former Aston Villa and Southampton midfielder briefly managed Rangers for two matches—against Aris Limassol and St Mirren—following Michael Beale’s exit and before Clement took charge.
Davis remains a beloved figure among both players and staff, as well as supporters, and he has expressed a desire to become a full-time coach.
During his career at Rangers, Davis enjoyed two separate spells, playing a central role in securing four league titles and lifting the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup three times each.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is now set to face his sixth Rangers manager after Clement’s sacking. A defeat to St Mirren, managed by Stephen Robinson, sealed Clement’s fate.
The Belgian’s tenure had been under increasing pressure, especially following a shock Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park.
St Mirren’s second-half goals from Mikael Mandron and Toyosi Olusanya earned them a 2-0 victory at Ibrox, marking their first win there since 1991 and a second consecutive triumph over Rangers.
Clement admitted that it was “by far the worst” performance of his 16-month tenure, following a week where supporters were buoyed by the news of a potential US takeover.
Meanwhile, Celtic’s defeat to Hibernian means they remain 13 points behind their city rivals and are at risk of ending the season without any domestic silverware.
Rangers’ next challenge is a Europa League last-16 tie against Fenerbahce, but Clement’s time at the club has come to an end.
Discussions are now underway regarding his departure, and it’s understood that the financial settlement he will receive may exceed the previously reported £1.2m.
Rangers released a statement confirming Clement’s departure, thanking him for his “hard work and dedication” during his time at the club.
Clement, who took over from Beale in October 2023, led Rangers to a League Cup victory two months into his reign.
Although he briefly brought them into title contention last season, they ultimately finished eight points behind Celtic, and he was unable to replicate the promising form of his early months.
Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Celtic, had previously commented on the constant managerial changes at Rangers, stating, “Over my two spells here I’ve worked against five Rangers managers, and every time Rangers were ‘coming’… every time.” He added that his focus remains solely on Celtic and not on Rangers’ managerial situation.
Rangers’ young talents Ross McCausland and Mason Munn, along with former Linfield youth Blaine McClure, are currently involved with the squad.
Munn made his debut last month in a Scottish Cup win over Fraserburgh, where Rangers triumphed 5-0. He expressed his pride in representing the club and thanked Clement for showing faith in him.
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential 49er Enterprises takeover, the Rangers board felt that a change in leadership was necessary.
Robinson, whose St Mirren side claimed a historic 2-0 victory over Rangers, believes his team deserves recognition for their impressive performance.
With six games left before the league splits, St Mirren, who also defeated Rangers 2-1 on Boxing Day, currently sit in sixth place in the Premiership.
Robinson praised his team’s work ethic and quality, saying, “We were comfortable throughout. It’s not often you go to Ibrox and say you were comfortable.”
