Kevin Muscat, the Australian coach once heavily linked with a return to Glasgow Rangers, will not be taking the helm at the Scottish club. Muscat, who previously played as a defender for Rangers, was widely tipped to step in as the replacement for Russell Martin after Martin’s departure following a 1-1 draw against Falkirk on October 5.

While it seemed likely that Muscat would be appointed, particularly amidst speculation over the timing of his potential move to Glasgow, the deal has fallen through. His current role as head coach of Shanghai Port, in their pursuit of the Chinese Super League title with crucial matches still to play, posed a significant scheduling conflict.

In Britain, reports had suggested that discussions between Muscat and Rangers had advanced significantly, with the club ready to invest heavily in securing his services. However, the prospect of Muscat’s delayed availability due to his commitments in China ultimately rendered the deal impractical for both parties involved.

Reports in Britain indicate talks between the two parties reached an advanced stage and Rangers were prepared to make a significant commitment to get Muscat.

However, the move is now believed to be off as the prospect of a delayed start to his reign made the practicalities of an appointment unworkable to all parties.

Former Rangers defender Kevin Muscat’s long-awaited managerial return collapses, leaving fans disappointed after weeks of speculation

Muscat’s (pictured second from right during his playing days with Rangers) Shanghai Port commitments in China clashed with the Rangers’ timeline

Had he been appointed, Muscat, 52, would have been the most high-profile Australian men’s coach in Europe, following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking at Nottingham Forest.

The Rangers job appeared a golden opportunity for Muscat to make his mark in Europe, having bounced back thoroughly from a short, ill-fated stint at Belgian club Sint-Truiden in 2019-20.

Throughout his coaching career, Muscat has consistently had to, and successfully managed to, step out from Postecoglou’s shadow.

He succeeded Postecoglou first at Melbourne Victory, then later Yokohama F. Marinos.

Arguably unfairly, Muscat has had to shake off criticism that he inherited those teams from Postecoglou – despite enjoying success with a different game style and fresh recruits.

After finishing his playing days at the Victory, Muscat started his coaching career as Postecoglou’s assistant there.

He took the reins after Postecoglou took the Socceroos job and carved out a coaching legacy at the Victory, winning two A-League grand finals, a premiership and an FFA Cup before quitting in May 2019.

After his short Belgian stint, Muscat was appointed manager of Marinos in July 2021, replacing Postecoglou.

Muscat, 52, was poised to become Europe’s highest-profile Australian coach, following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal at Nottingham Forest

Muscat finished second in his first year at the helm in Japan, then won the league in 2022, before departing in December 2023 to make the switch to China.

Muscat was sounded out for the Socceroos head coach role following Graham Arnold’s departure, but chose to focus on his club football, with Tony Popovic ultimately appointed.

Rangers are aiming to name a new boss in the coming days.They have been talking with several managers but time is of the essence if a new face is to be in the technical area for the Europa League tie with Brann in Norway on Thursday night.

After his short Belgian stint, Muscat was appointed manager of Marinos in July 2021, replacing Postecoglou.

Muscat finished second in his first year at the helm in Japan, then won the league in 2022, before departing in December 2023 to make the switch to China.

Muscat was sounded out for the Socceroos head coach role following Graham Arnold’s departure, but chose to focus on his club football, with Tony Popovic ultimately appointed.

Rangers are aiming to name a new boss in the coming days.They have been talking with several managers but time is of the essence if a new face is to be in the technical area for the Europa League tie with Brann in Norway on Thursday night.