OFFICIAL: Rangers appoint Danny Rohl as new head coach

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 20 Oct 2025 17:05 BST
  • 5 min read
Danny Rohl, Sheffield Wednesday, 2024/25
© IMAGO

Rangers have officially appointed former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl as their new head coach.

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The Ibrox giants have finally found a replacement for Russell Martin, who was sacked prior to the bygone international break following a dire start to his tenure in Glasgow.

Rangers had hoped to find a quick replacement for the former Scotland international, but it is one thing to identify a potential successor, and a completely different matter actually appointing them.

Rangers' pursuit of a new head coach had many twists and turns. Initially, Steven Gerrard was the favourite to return to Ibrox after leading the club to the Premiership title in 2021.

However, despite positive talks with club chiefs, Gerrard again felt it was not the right time to return, having already snubbed Rangers in the summer prior to Martin's ill-fated hire.

Rohl announced as Rangers boss after Muscat shock

When Gerrard pulled out, it seemed as though Danny Rohl, who had also been in the frame in the summer, would get the job as he was chomping at the bit to land a big role following the miracles he worked at turmoil-stricken Sheffield Wednesday.

Yet despite having been impressed by his passion for building a long-term project at Rangers, club bosses pivoted to former midfielder Kevin Muscat instead as they wanted a 'win-now' manager.

Kevin Muscat
© IMAGO - Kevin Muscat

The Shanghai Port boss, who is chasing his second league title in China, was close to agreeing a deal to return to the club where he won a treble as a player.

However, the Australian reportedly had concerns about the club's recrutiment structure, in which the head coach only has limited influence and opted to stay in Shanghai.

Rohl had actually removed his name from contention when it became clear that Muscat was the favourite for the job, but after being approached again following the 52-year-old's rejection, he reconsidered and agreed to join.

The Gers have now, at long last, unveiled the 36-year-old as their new head coach.

Rohl: 'We have no time to waste'

Speaking after his appointment, Rohl emphasised that he is fully aware of the massive task at hand, with Rangers currently languishing in sixth in the Premiership table.

"It is a huge privilege to be taking on the role of Head Coach at such an incredible club, recognised around the world," Rohl is quoted as saying in an official statement on the club website.

"I know it has been a difficult start to the season, but there is still so much to play for in four competitions, and my staff and I will give it everything to reward the supporters and the club.

"We have no time to waste, we start straight away. I respect that trust is earned and understand we have to give the supporters confidence in what we are doing by showing it on the pitch from the start.

"The expectations are huge and I love this challenge because I set high standards for myself and the team too. I’m looking forward to meeting the squad and getting down to work ahead of Thursday’s game away to Brann."

Cavenagh: 'Impressed with Rohl's vision'

Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh said of Rohl: "We’re very pleased to welcome Danny to Rangers, an ambitious coach who shares the club’s hunger for progress and success. His experience at elite level, in high pressure environments, makes him a strong fit for what we expect here.

"Danny impressed us with his vision, his character, and his understanding of what Rangers stands for. We believe he can help restore pride, momentum, and ultimately success."

"This has been a thorough process to ensure we identified the right person to lead the club forward," vice-chairman Paraagh Marathe added. "Danny clearly has tactical intelligence and a hunger to match the ambitions of Rangers. With Danny at the helm, we intend to compete through every minute on the pitch in all competitions."

Chief executive Patrick Stewart hailed Rohl for bringing "real conviction, clarity and leadership to the role." He also said: "It’s now our job to give him every support possible to move the club forward quickly and decisively."

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell believes that "Danny has the qualities required to succeed here, allied with being an exceptional coach. He has worked in some of the most demanding football environments in the world, where winning is the only expectation, and we believe that background has prepared him for Rangers."

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