“We Did Not Get This Right”: Rangers Chairman Andrew Cavenagh Takes Culpability and Vows Urgency in Manager Search
Following the sacking of head coach Russell Martin, Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe issued a rare, public open letter to supporters, directly addressing the club’s struggles and the process for appointing a new manager.
The statement, released shortly after Martin’s dismissal, contained the most significant communication from the US-based ownership group since their summer takeover, led by Cavenagh.
Key Points from Cavenagh’s Statement:
* Admission of Culpability: Crucially, Cavenagh and Marathe admitted that the appointment of Russell Martin was a mistake. The statement read: “We know you are frustrated – we are too. We did not get this right, and it’s our responsibility to fix it and get us back on track.” This direct acceptance of blame was widely noted by pundits and supporters.
* Commitment to Winning: The statement reiterated the club’s core objectives: “…to win trophies in Scotland and be able to compete at a high level in Europe.” They acknowledged that current performances were not meeting these standards.
* Vow of Urgent and Rigorous Process: Cavenagh promised a thorough and focused approach to finding Martin’s replacement. He stated that a “rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process is already under way, and we are treating it with the urgency it deserves.”
* Hands-On Approach: The chairman confirmed that both he and Marathe are “deeply involved” in the evaluation and that the search would have their “full attention” until they find a leader with the required character and skillset.
Recent Managerial Search News (Post-Statement)
The period immediately following the statement has been dominated by developments in the manager hunt, with Cavenagh and Marathe actively meeting with candidates:
* Steven Gerrard Rejection: The biggest news since the statement was the sensation that Steven Gerrard—the board’s apparent first choice—ruled himself out of the running. Reports indicate that Gerrard met with Cavenagh and Marathe but ultimately withdrew, reportedly feeling the timing was not right for a return.
* Danny Röhl Emerges: Following Gerrard’s snub, former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Röhl has become a leading contender. Sources suggest that the 36-year-old German coach has impressed the Rangers hierarchy, including Cavenagh and Marathe, during the interview process. There is speculation that the ownership is aiming to make an appointment before the upcoming match against Dundee United.
* Muscat, Bilic, and Others: Other names, including former Rangers player Kevin Muscat (currently at Shanghai Port) and experienced manager Slaven Bilić, remain on the shortlist, but the focus has shifted heavily towards Röhl after the Gerrard news.
In essence, Cavenagh’s public statement served to acknowledge the club’s error and reassure fans that the club’s new leadership is personally driving a high-stakes, urgent process to correct the managerial course.
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