Danny Röhl's reign at Rangers has come to an end, with the head coach making a shock departure just 11 months into his tenure. The Austrian tactician will swap Glasgow for Salzburg after agreeing a seven-figure compensation package with the Scottish Premiership club. Performance manager Sascha Lense and first-team analyst Tristan Steiner are also leaving Ibrox, bringing an end to their time in Scotland.
Röhl's stint at Rangers was marked by highs and lows, with the German-born coach initially breathing new life into a struggling team that had lost its way under Russell Martin. Inheriting a side beset by issues on the pitch, Röhl stabilised the ship and even got Rangers back in contention for the title – but ultimately, it proved to be a case of too little, too late. A dismal run of four consecutive defeats after the league split saw the Gers slump to third in the table, with fans and pundits alike questioning whether they had truly improved under Röhl.
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh paid tribute to his departing boss: “I'd like to thank Danny for his service and commitment to Rangers. He and his staff put in a massive amount of hard work during their time here, which we're grateful for.” The parting words are a reminder that Röhl's legacy will be remembered fondly by the Ibrox faithful – but it's now all about what comes next.
And that's where Hearts boss Derek McInnes comes in. A former Rangers player himself, the 54-year-old has been touted as the favourite to take over at Ibrox – and given his current form, it's hard to see him turning down the chance. There's also speculation surrounding a familiar face: Steven Gerrard, who had a previous spell at Rangers and is still highly respected in Glasgow circles.
The search for Röhl's successor continues apace, with the club promising an announcement soon. The question on everyone's lips? Who will be next to take the reins at Ibrox?
Source: Rangers Football Club