Portsmouth hero one of five in mix for Rangers job in major next manager update
Portsmouth fans have had to deal with concerns over manager John Mousinho in recent weeks.
Mousinho has been touted as a target for West Brom among others after keeping Pompey up this season.
It is a slightly different situation north of the border at Scottish giants Rangers, as they are looking for a permanent manager.
Barry Ferguson has been in temporary charge of the Glasgow club since late February, having replaced Philippe Clement.
There are several names under consideration at Ibrox, with a former Portsmouth star among the list of potential candidates.
Gary O’Neil on Rangers shortlist
Rangers are taking their time to appoint a new manager at Ibrox in what is a critical time at the club.
Rangers are some way off Scottish Premiership champions Celtic and have work to do if they are to make ground.
| Position | Club | Points |
| 1st | Celtic | 91 |
| 2nd | Rangers | 74 |
| 3rd | Hibernian | 57 |
| 4th | Aberdeen | 53 |
While Ferguson is keen to take the job on a full-time basis, the Glasgow club are set to appoint externally.
Davide Ancelotti has been the overwhelming favourite for the job, but there have been conflicting reports on whether he truly wants it.
The Scottish side would be wise to consider all possibilities and have drawn up a shortlist that contains four British names.
One of those names is ex-Pompey midfielder Gary O’Neil, who is joined by Russell Martin and Sean Dyche on the list, according to the Daily Record (16 May).
O’Neil has been out of a job since he was sacked by Wolves in December, but has been linked with several roles since he left.
While Ancelotti remains the favourite, Rangers may pursue the 41-year-old if that fails to materialise.
O’Neil would be a good Ancelotti alternative
If Rangers are unable to land Ancelotti, then a move for O’Neil would be an appealing alternative.
The former midfielder has held two positions in management, having managed in the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth and Wolves.
O’Neil enjoyed some decent spells during both stints, particularly while at Molineux, where many tipped Wolves for relegation.
Whether he would be ready for a club of the stature of Rangers remains to be seen, but he has demonstrated he is a good coach.
Such an appointment would likely divide supporters, but he would look to replicate his compatriot, Steven Gerrard, who won the title at Ibrox in 2021.