The Scottish football club Rangers have appointed Danny Rohl as their new head coach, finalising a two-and-a-half year deal. Rohl, who previously managed Sheffield Wednesday, steps in as the permanent replacement for Russell Martin, who was dismissed 15 days earlier. This decision comes after Rohl initially withdrew from consideration, believing he was not the front-runner for the position.
After negotiations with another candidate, Kevin Muscat, fell through on Sunday night, Rohl travelled to Glasgow to conclude the agreement. The 36-year-old has an impressive coaching background, having started his career at RB Leipzig and later assisting Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton in 2018. He also served as assistant manager under Hansi Flick at Bayern Munich, where his contributions aided the club in winning the Bundesliga. Rohl took on his first managerial role with Sheffield Wednesday in October 2023, successfully guiding the team to Championship safety after a difficult start.
Immediate Focus on Upcoming Matches
Rohl will assume full control of the team immediately, with his first match scheduled against Brann in the Europa League on Thursday. On his appointment, he expressed excitement and determination regarding the challenges ahead. “It is a huge privilege to be taking on the role of head coach at such an incredible club, recognised around the world,” Rohl stated. He acknowledged the difficult start to the season but emphasised that there is much to compete for across four tournaments.
He added, “The expectations here are clear. The fans want to see results now. My mentality and experience is to think in exactly the same way, and I believe in the players that we can achieve this.” Rohl stressed the importance of earning the trust of supporters by demonstrating results on the pitch right from the start.
Support from Club Leadership
Rangers’ chairman, Andrew Cavenagh, welcomed Rohl’s appointment, highlighting his ambition and experience in high-pressure environments. “We know the past few months have been challenging, but our focus has always been on getting the right person who is ready to immediately embrace this football club and the demands that come with it,” Cavenagh noted. He expressed confidence that Rohl’s vision and understanding of Rangers’ values would help restore pride and momentum.
Vice chairman Paraag Marathe remarked on the thorough selection process that led to Rohl’s hiring, citing his tactical intelligence and ambition as key factors. Chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell also voiced their belief in Rohl’s capabilities, underscoring the need for immediate results to align with the club’s expectations.
Rohl’s coaching style is expected to bring a dynamic approach to the team. His past experiences at elite clubs and his ability to adapt to demanding football environments position him well for the challenges at Rangers. Analysts have noted his potential to elevate the team, particularly considering his successful tenure at Sheffield Wednesday, where he transformed a struggling squad into a competitive one.
As Rohl embarks on this new chapter with Rangers, he faces the dual challenge of meeting high expectations while revitalising a team eager for success.
