Steven Smith lands Rangers job on interim basis with two Kevin Muscat hurdles still to be cleared
The under-19 coach has been in charge of first-team training following Russell Martin’s departure
11:49, 16 Oct 2025
(Image: SNS Group)
Steven Smith will reportedly take charge of Rangers on an interim basis against Dundee United this weekend amid ongoing talks with Kevin Muscat.
Record Sport revealed that the Shanghai Port boss appears to be on the verge of winning the race to replace Russell Martin in the Ibrox hot seat.
Former Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl impressed Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe during talks last week – but has now pulled out of the running.
Former Light Blues midfielder Muscat has entered into contract negotiations with the club’s American owners – with Neil McCann in the frame to step into the dugout on an interim basis until Muscat arrives from China.
However, McCann won’t be in place for the restart of the Scottish Premiership season following the international break.
The Rangers Review report that under-19 boss Smith will take charge of Saturday’s fixture.
Smith has been in charge of first-team training following the departure of Russell Martin and will be in the ibrox dugout while talks continue with Muscat and Shanghai Port.
Rangers face the prospect of paying a seven-figure compensation package to allow him to leave Shanghai behind as he remains under contract with the club.
Head coach Kevin Muscat of Shanghai Port(Image: Getty Images)
Reports in China suggest the boss has a deal at Port until December 2026 on a deal that currently sees him earn between £1.6million and £2million.
Record Sport understands the Glasgow giants would have to pay out a compensation bill of around £1.5m in order to terminate that deal – while Port have already started shaping a contingency plan should the boss depart.
Furthermore, Muscat will only be allowed to leave his the defending champions once back-to-back Chinese Super League crowns have been secured.
The league season comes to an end on November 22.
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