Rangers Lose Managerial Target as Potential Philippe Clement Successor Commits Elsewhere

Rangers’ Managerial Search: Who They Considered Before Clement and What Comes Next

Before Philippe Clement was appointed as Rangers’ manager in October 2023, the club explored several candidates to replace Mick Beale.

Now, with the Belgian facing mounting pressure after a shocking Scottish Cup exit to Queen’s Park, questions arise about how many of those original candidates are still available.

Frank Lampard was one of the strongest contenders for the role, even receiving an endorsement from Rangers legend Graeme Souness. However, he has since taken charge at Coventry City.

Pascal Jansen, formerly of AZ Alkmaar, has moved to New York City FC in preparation for the upcoming Major League Soccer season.

Graham Potter, another name linked at the time, is now leading West Ham United in a post-Lopetegui rebuild.

John Eustace was also considered, but any potential move for him may already be too late.

As recently as January, Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart publicly backed Clement, delaying any managerial decisions.

Now, Eustace, currently in charge at Blackburn Rovers, could be committing his future elsewhere—possibly to a club very close to his heart.

John Eustace’s Surprising Move: From Playoff Contender to Relegation Battle

It’s not often that a well-regarded head coach leaves a Championship promotion contender for a team fighting relegation in the same division. Yet, that is exactly what John Eustace appears set to do.

Blackburn Rovers, who currently sit sixth in the Championship, confirmed on Monday that Eustace has been granted permission—reluctantly—to discuss a move to Derby County.

Derby are struggling near the bottom of the table, sitting just two places and two points above the relegation zone.

Many Rovers fans are understandably frustrated, viewing this as a decision driven by emotion rather than logic.

Eustace spent the final six years of his playing career at Derby, and now, according to reports from the Lancashire Telegraph, he has agreed to take over at Pride Park.

The opportunity to manage Derby and prevent their immediate return to League One seems to hold such personal significance that he is willing to walk away from Blackburn’s playoff push.

Blackburn’s Frustration as Rangers Face a Clement Dilemma

Blackburn’s disappointment was evident in their official statement:

“Blackburn Rovers can confirm that head coach John Eustace has requested permission to speak with another Championship club, following the activation of a clause in his contract.

The club is extremely disappointed by John Eustace’s request to hold discussions with another club at such a crucial stage of the season, but this has now been reluctantly granted.”

Had Rangers approached Eustace in the aftermath of their Scottish Cup humiliation, would he have considered them instead? That remains an open question.

However, by the time Rangers do make a managerial change—if they decide to—Eustace is likely to have joined Lampard, Jansen, and Potter in removing himself from consideration.

Now, Stewart and the Rangers board must confront a crucial decision: Do they act immediately, parting ways with Clement despite not having a replacement lined up?

Or do they give him time until the summer, hoping for a turnaround while also allowing themselves a broader managerial search?

The pressure is mounting, and whichever path Rangers choose will shape their future well beyond this season.