Rangers face uncertainty over their next permanent manager, as they aim to appoint a new head coach in the summer.
Philippe Clement was dismissed earlier this season, with Barry Ferguson replacing him on an interim basis, but Rangers’ campaign will now end in disappointment.
Ferguson’s side were knocked out of the Europa League by Athletic Bilbao, and they now have nothing to play for domestically.
That was Rangers’ best run in Europe since Giovanni van Bronckhorst led the Gers to the 2022 Europa League final, but the Dutchman is now unlikely to return to try again.
Van Bronckhorst rules out Rangers managerial return
With limited candidates available for the Rangers hotseat, Van Bronckhorst could have been considered for a shock return to Ibrox.
However, the 50-year-old has now completely ruled out taking the Rangers job again, but admitted that he could return to Ibrox as a fan.
Stat Van Bronckhorst
Matches 68
Wins 42
Draws 11
Losses 15
Goals 135
Conceded 77
Points per game 2.01
Van Bronckhorst as Rangers manager
“No,” Van Bronckhorst stated in a one-word response on TNT Sports when asked if he could return to Rangers.
Van Bronckhorst went on to add he would possibly be open to returning as a fan.
“For me, that book is closed. Maybe as a fan, but no [as manager],” he said.
Van Bronckhorst’s history at Rangers
Van Bronckhorst played for Rangers between 1998 and 2001 before he moved to Premier League side Arsenal, and was a solid performer at left-back and in midfield as he won five major trophies.
The defender reached the World Cup final in 2010 before retiring and moving into coaching at his boyhood club Feyenoord.
Rangers then brought Van Bronckhorst in to replace Steven Gerrard in 2021, and he almost pulled off a miracle as he led the Gers to the Europa League final, where they were beaten on penalties by Eintracht Frankfurt.
He was surprisingly dismissed a few months later after a run of poor form, and many believe that this was the wrong move. Now, he clearly believes that there is no chance of a second stint in the Rangers’ hotseat.
Perhaps the manner of his dismissal meant that Van Bronckhorst has no desire to return to the club, or maybe the task at hand is unappealing for the Dutchman. Either way, Rangers will have to look elsewhere.
