Ibrox hunt for Beale’s replacement grinds to an ‘impasse’

The search for Micky Beale’s successor has struck an impasse to quote Jonny McFarlane.

Newsquest’s Head of Digital Sport can be relied on to get any message out to the bears without ever thinking to ask a follow up question.

Micky Beale was a dead man walking from lunchtime on September 3 when his side lost at home to Celtic, six weeks on Steve Davis is Caretaker manager on the back of a trip to Rome to watch the Ryder Cup and enjoy a quiet Guinness or two.

Once Frank Lampard and Graham Potter distanced themselves from the job the options became limited, it seems that English based candidates are aware of the cash restraints and the ridiculous expectations of supporters who forced Giovanni van Bronckhorst out the door six months after being a European finalist.

Taking on Brendan Rodgers head-to-head in those circumstances isn’t likely to boost your managerial CV unless you have been out of management for a year or more.

Philippe Clement and Kevin Muscat appear to be the leading contenders but when they start to as questions of James Bisgrove and John Bennett the answers are less convincing, especially regarding a January war-chest and clearing the place of Beale’s duds who are sitting on long term contracts.

Rangers manager update as process incomplete despite rumours of split

?? @jonnyrmcfarlane https://t.co/NDEq8bHs7z

— Herald Football (@heraldfootball_) October 11, 2023

I’m told it’s impossible for there to have been an impasse over the final decision while this process remains actively ongoing. As already stated, Bisgrove and Bennett are leading the process and will present final decision to the board. 2/2

— Jonny McFarlane (@jonnyrmcfarlane) October 11, 2023

Explaining the ‘impasse’ McFarlane told the Glasgow Times:

Australian Kevin Muscat and Belgian Philippe Clement have been the hot favourites for the role with both interviewed to become the 19th permanent manager of the club.

But suggestions there is a disagreement between key Ibrox decision-makers as to who will take the role have been strenuously denied by sources who point out that talks remain live.

It’s understood that the entire working week has been blocked off by c-suite management to ensure the process is as meticulous as possible and that each candidate is given the chance to state their credentials fully.

Insiders say it’s impossible for there to be disagreement when the process, led by CEO James Bisgrove and chairman John Bennett, remains incomplete and findings have yet to be presented to the wider board.

As the clock ticks towards the weekend with Billy Davies the alternative to Davis and Alex Rae the prospect of hostility towards the Ibrox Directors Box at home to Hibs grows closer.

Philippe Clement will not be arriving in Glasgow tonight. Rangers have not made a final decision on any candidate and talks are ongoing.

— Chris Jack (@Chris_Jack89) October 10, 2023