There’s only one man Rangers need to think about when appointing their next manager and that’s Brendan Rodgers

When Rangers’ new American owners eventually congregate in The Blue Room to discuss a new manager – there should be one name on their lips.

Brendan Rodgers. Now, some Ibrox diehards might be choking on their pancakes and maple syrup reading that. But bear with me.

As the 49ers Enterprises appear to edge closer to a £100 million takeover in Govan, it’s the question every fan is asking. Who will they choose as gaffer?

One major bookie said last week they’re on the verge of closing the market with Steven Gerrard a heavy odds-on favourite.
Jose Mourinho’s name won’t go away.

When Record Sport asked him about managing in Glasgow one day, before Rangers’ Europa League tie with Fenerbahce, he refused to rule it out.

Interim boss Barry Ferguson can’t be completely ignored either, given a couple of terrific European results and an Old Firm win at Parkhead.

And of course, there are plenty of other names in the frame.

But when Andrew Cavenagh, Parraag Marathe and Gretar Steinsson get round to choosing their man – it’s the guy on the other side of the city who should be at the forefront of the conversation.

Celtic’s manager is key in all of this.

Because to put it bluntly, Rangers must appoint someone who is good enough – not just to take Rodgers on – but beat him.

And we’re not talking about two or three campaigns down the line here. It has to happen NEXT season.

The Rangers fans, and presumably their new owners, will demand that.

It could well be the Irishman’s last season in Scotland.

Going into the final year of his current contract, Rodgers' future will quickly become a hot topic over the summer.

Make no mistake, it would be a result for Rangers if he decides he’s done enough at Celtic second time around.

But if that’s the