Rangers appoint Danny Rohl as manager after whirlwind talks with two candidates break down

Rohl faces an immediate challenge when he leads Rangers against Norwegian side Brann in Thursday's Europa League encounter.

The former Sheffield Wednesday manager expressed his honour at joining the Ibrox club, stating: "It is a huge privilege to be taking on the role of head coach at such an incredible club, recognised around the world."

He acknowledged the team's struggles this campaign but emphasised his determination to deliver swift improvements.

"I know it has been a difficult start to the season, but there is still so much to play for in four competitions, and my staff and I will give it everything to reward the supporters and the club."

The managerial appointment follows a turbulent search process that began when Russell Martin was dismissed on 5 October after just 17 games in charge.

Rangers initially pursued several candidates, including former manager Steven Gerrard who withdrew from consideration last weekend, stating the timing wasn't suitable for an Ibrox return.

Kevin Muscat, the former Rangers defender currently managing Shanghai Port in China's Super League, emerged as a leading candidate.

However, negotiations with the Australian collapsed when the delayed start to his potential tenure proved unworkable for both parties.

Rohl himself had initially withdrawn from the running last week when Muscat appeared to be the frontrunner.

The breakdown of the Muscat deal prompted Rangers to reactivate discussions with the German, ultimately securing his services ahead of Thursday's European fixture.

Rohl brings considerable coaching experience from his time with elite European clubs. The German worked with Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Southampton before taking charge at Sheffield Wednesday in October 2023.

During his spell with the Owls, he achieved notable success despite the club's financial difficulties, keeping them in the Championship on two occasions.

He guided Wednesday to a 12th-place finish in his only complete season before departing by mutual agreement this summer.

His coaching credentials also include a stint with the German national team, adding international experience to his resume.

At 36, Rohl represents a younger managerial appointment for Rangers as they seek to reverse their poor start to the campaign.

The new head coach inherits a squad that has managed just one league victory from eight attempts this season.

Rangers currently sit sixth in the Scottish Premiership table, having secured just one victory from eight matches this campaign. The team trails champions Celtic by eight points and league leaders Heart of Midlothian by thirteen points.

The German tactician stressed the urgency of the situation and his alignment with supporters' expectations.

"The fans want to see results now – my mentality and experience is to think in exactly the same way," Rohl said.

He added: "We have no time to waste, we start straight away. I respect that trust is earned and understand we have to give the supporters confidence in what we are doing by showing it on the pitch from the start."

Under Martin's tenure, Rangers also failed to secure Champions League qualification and suffered defeats in both Europa League fixtures.