Rangers are reportedly considering Graham Potter as a serious candidate for their next head coach, following Steven Gerrard’s decision to rule himself out of contention.
The Ibrox club have moved swiftly to identify alternatives since parting ways with Russell Martin, and Potter’s name has emerged among the frontrunners in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes managerial search.
On October 11, 2025, Rangers held discussions with Gerrard, the former boss who led the club to their most recent Scottish Premiership title in 2020-21. Gerrard subsequently declined the opportunity to return, citing that the timing was not quite right for a comeback.
Reports indicated that the conversations were positive and that both parties agreed to keep communication open for the future.
In the wake of Gerrard’s withdrawal, attention has turned to other names, and Rangers are allegedly prepared to consider appointing a former Chelsea manager as a successor to Russell Martin, naming Potter specifically.
Sources indicate that Potter has held talks with the Rangers hierarchy about a potential return to management following his stint at West Ham United, where he won only six of his 25 matches and was sacked earlier in the season.
Potter himself has made comments in recent interviews that suggest he remains open to new challenges, though he has not explicitly confirmed an interest in the Rangers job. In one interview, Potter said: “I have turned down job offers. Things haven’t been right, I’ve not been ready… now I’m just open to anything. I’m not shutting my doors to anything.”
He went on to emphasise that any future role would have to align with his values and vision, saying: “I think I have to connect with the idea of what the club wants and what the people want at the club and whether it aligns with my values and what I bring and the person I am is the person they want to work with.”
Rangers are under pressure after a disappointing start to the 2025-26 Premiership season. Russell Martin was dismissed after just four months in charge, with the club lying eighth in the league, eleven points behind leaders Hearts. The club’s American owners—Andrew Cavenagh and Paraag Marathe—along with Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell, CEO Patrick Stewart, and Gretar Steinsson, have been involved in discussions to identify the next coach.
There is some debate, however, over whether Potter would be an ideal fit. His reputation has taken hits due to his recent struggles in charge of Chelsea and West Ham, where expectations were high and performances inconsistent. There is a perception that the 50-year-old’s reputation has dropped on the back of his stints with Chelsea and the Hammers.
On the other hand, supporters who recall his earlier spells, such as his time at Brighton & Hove Albion, point to his positive work in developing teams, tactical flexibility, and ability to inspire improvement.