Which candidates are most likely to be next Rangers boss?

We've already done this, but seeing as the process is taking close to a month to complete, and with new names emerging, we've decided to do so again. A look at the bookies' favourites to replace Mark Warburton as Rangers manager and a rating of the probability of them taking over the Ibrox hotseat out of 10.

Pedro Caixinha is the current favourite to take over at Rangers. Picture: Getty

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Pedro Caixinha (Odds 9/4)

The Portuguese coach has come from nowhere to suddenly be the leading contender for the role in the eyes of the bookmakers. It is rumoured he’s the preferred candidate of Ross Wilson, who may become the new director of football at Rangers. That said, there’s too many ifs and maybes around this for our liking. It could also be a case of people assuming a director of football would wish to bring in a left-field, continental appointment as opposed to a British coach. Like putting two and two together to get five. Regardless, Rangers fans are not enthused by the thought of hiring a manager they’ve never heard of, especially someone who is not familiar with the Scottish game.

Likelihood: 6/10

Alex McLeish (Odds 11/4)

Reports have revealed the former Rangers boss met with the club’s hierarchy in London, which makes it a little odd he’s not the front-runner with the bookies. There’s perhaps an assumption that a director of football would not wish to work with a veteran manager, or would want to bring in someone on a two or three-year deal and build for the long term. You could do this with McLeish, of course, but it’s been presumed since Warburton went that McLeish would represent a steady pair of hands until the end of the season. Perhaps, though, that is working in his favour, seeing as the Rangers’ board have already begun meeting with candidates prior to the hiring of a director of football. Maybe the new chief of football operations gets his say in the summer, but the board hire their preferred caretaker in the meantime. Who knows? But McLeish remains the most likely candidate.

Likelihood: 8/10

Alex Neil (Odds 3/1)

Increasingly we’re seeing Scottish-based managers leaving our biggest and best for jobs in English football. It’s not as common to see them go the other way, which would suggest Rangers’ supposed interest in Neil is a little naive. However, Norwich are six points adrift of the play-off places and have struggled for form recently, winning one of their last five. Pressure is mounting on Neil and, if Rangers are interested, this would be a good time to hit the ejector button.

Likelihood: 6/10

Derek McInnes (Odds 5/1)

Despite saying he’s happy to stay at Aberdeen, McInnes stays firmly in the mix. Having played for Rangers previously, he’d probably want a crack at managing them one day. But with Aberdeen still a force in this league, with most of their top talents signed through next season, not to mention the backlash he’d receive from making the jump, it still remains unlikely this one happens.

Likelihood: 4/10

Gary Rowett (Odds 12/1)

While guys like Frank de Boer and Tommy Wright seem to have dropped out of the running, Gary Rowett’s name continues to hang around. If Rangers want to dip back into the same market from which they selected Warburton, then there are few better candidates available than the ex-Birmingham manager.

Likelihood: 6/10

Markus Babbel (Odds 12/1)

The former Bayern Munich star and FC Luzern boss has been mentioned in articles but there doesn’t seem to be anything concrete linking him to the role. He’s just a name who’s stuck around on the bookmakers’ longlist. He would probably take the job if offered, though.

Likelihood: 3/10

Alan Pardew (Odds 16/1)

Chris Sutton called it bonkers that Pardew, along with Frank de Boer, was being linked with the job. It might be in the case of De Boer, considering his success at Ajax, but is it for Pardew? In England, Pardew does the same job over and over. He improves the fortunes of his team when he first arrives, usually punching well above their weight. Then the team comes back to earth with a bang and becomes embroiled in a relegation battle. That’s his reputation now and it’s doubtful whether a EPL side will look to hire him any time soon, which would give Rangers some leverage if they wanted to recruit him. He’s another who’s link to the job seems a bit tenuous, though.

Likelihood: 4/10

Barry Ferguson (Odds 16/1)

Why is this still a thing? The former captain is woefully underqualified for the role. And do you know who said that? Barry Ferguson himself.

Likelihood: 2/10

- Odds via SkyBet. Please gamble responsibly.