Godwin Obaje“Secret agreement” may complicate Rangers’ managerial transition
Rangers are on the cusp of appointing Kevin Muscat as their new manager — but his arrival may be delayed until late November, due to commitments in the Chinese Super League. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds a “secret agreement” that could see former Gers winger Neil McCann serve as interim or No. 2 in the new coaching regime.
Muscat, currently in charge of Shanghai Port, remains locked in a title race in China — with his side’s final match not due until 22 November. That timing presents a challenge for Rangers, who have a congested fixture list in November, including a League Cup semi-final against Celtic, Europa League clashes, and a domestic trip to Hibs.
Because of this, club chiefs are reportedly considering a temporary solution: appointing McCann as caretaker until Muscat is free to take charge. The idea is not new. In fact, it has been claimed that Muscat already struck a “secret agreement” with McCann several years ago — an arrangement that could now be revived.
According to reporting from the Daily Record, that pact was formed when Muscat was previously linked with the role — McCann was to be his assistant. If revived, it could pave the way for McCann to run the side on an interim basis. Given McCann’s familiarity with the club — both as a former player and recent coach under interim management structures — he is already considered a frontrunner for the caretaker role.
One report states:
“Muscat had a ‘secret agreement’ in place with McCann dating back a couple of years … that could see McCann temporarily manage Rangers if Muscat takes the head coach role.”
Should that come to pass, McCann may be in charge for the upcoming match against Dundee United and the remainder of the November schedule, pending Muscat’s arrival.
That said, there is another contender in the frame: Danny Rohl. The German coach had previously been seen as a strong candidate after Steven Gerrard withdrew from consideration, and his name continues to circulate as a possible full-time alternative. If the board is reluctant to wait for Muscat, Rohl’s case may be revived.
The case for McCann — and potential pitfalls
McCann is not an unknown quantity at Rangers. He was part of the coaching staff under Barry Ferguson during a previous interim spell and has links to current club thinking. His credentials include a stint managing Dundee and a spell as interim boss at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Supporters and insiders see the logic: he understands the club, the dressing room, and could provide continuity. His candidacy has also earned vocal backing from some within the football community.
Still, putting McCann in an interim role poses challenges. A caretaker manager in the midst of high‑stakes matches (cup semi, European ties, Old Firm clashes) would be under extraordinary pressure — and failure could sour the goodwill before Muscat arrives. The transition between regimes would also need careful planning. On top of that, Muscat’s delayed start means the board must balance competitive ambition now against setting up the right longer‑term structure.
Moreover, Rangers may face a significant compensation bill to release Muscat from his contract at Shanghai Port. One source reports such a fee would be “hefty.” The financial and logistical terms of that deal are still unresolved.
What the club must consider
Timing of the appointment: If Rangers wait until November, they must appoint someone interim to steer the ship through a demanding schedule.
Continuity vs. disruption: McCann offers continuity and continuity of culture; an outside permanent appointment (e.g., Rohl) may come with a steeper adjustment period.
Risk vs. reward: If McCann fails, it may tarnish Muscat’s eventual takeover; but delaying or forcing Muscat’s early departure in China may upset relationships.
Financial implications: The cost of securing Muscat’s services — both in compensation and in assembling his coaching team — may be considerable.
Perception and confidence: The way this transition is handled will be scrutinised by fans, media, and stakeholders. Missteps may amplify dissatisfaction.
What might happen next
Given current indications, a likely scenario is that McCann takes charge as interim manager in the short term, with the intention that he remains as Muscat’s right-hand man once the Australian arrives. Many insiders appear comfortable with such a scenario — provided the onus is on McCann to keep things stable until the permanent boss takes over.
If Rangers decide they can’t wait, Rohl may re-emerge as the front-runner for the role — a decision that would signal a shift away from the Muscat‑McCann blueprint. There is also the possibility that Muscat could be parachuted in earlier, though that would require negotiation with Shanghai Port and perhaps disruption of their title bid.
In either case, the coming days are likely to prove decisive in shaping Rangers’ next chapter. With high-stakes fixtures looming, the club’s board must tread carefully — balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term vision.
Godwin Obaje
