DANNY ROHL remains the favourite to become the next Rangers manager after Steven Gerrard’s withdrawal from contention.
But in a shock twist, there’s now a very surprising name who’s been backed in to second favourite.
Gerrard, 45, appeared to be the clear front-runner to make a stunning Rangers return as Russell Martin‘s replacement.
Led by chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe, the search for a new boss began a week ago after Martin was dramatically axed after just four months in charge.
He was dismissed 123 days into an ill-fated reign that saw him win just five of his 17 games as head coach.
Excitement among Gers fans exploded when Gerrard flew in for talks with Ibrox supremos last week.
READ MORE RANGERS STORIES
BILL LECKIE
Rangers owners’ decisions are getting worse – they must get manager call right
FIRM DEALS
Free bets and new customer offers for upcoming Rangers and Celtic fixtures
But after a couple of days of talks came Saturday night’s dramatic turn of events.
The bombshell update dropped that Gerrard had WITHDRAWN from the running to be the next Rangers boss.
It’s understood he didn’t feel the timing was right to make a sensational return to Ibrox.
So it’s back to the drawing board then for Rangers chiefs.
As mentioned, ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss Rohl remains the odds-on favourite to land the gig.
SunSport understands the 36-year old impressed Rangers chiefs with his presentation late last week.
But Rohl is by no means the only candidate.
Several names have been linked to the role, from Kevin Muscat to Derek McInnes and Kieran McKenna to Michael Carrick.
But it’s a surprising name who’s soared into second favourite behind Rohl.
That man is Slaven Bilic.
The former Croatia international, 57, was previously mentioned as a potential candidate.
It has been claimed Bilic WOULD be interested in taking the job should it be offered to him.
He’s been out of work since last year since leaving Saudi club Al-Fateh.
Bilic has more than two decades of experience in management, with the Croatia national team, West Ham, West Brom and Watford among his former clubs.
Despite the links, Bilic was still seen as a rank outsider.
However, as revealed by Oddspedia, there has been plenty of movement on Bilic in the betting markets.
In fact, his odds have been dramatically slashed from 33/1 to 6/1 in the last 24 hours, making him the second favourite.
Oddspedia said: “Former West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has been cut into clear second favourite to take over at Rangers, following Steven Gerrard‘s decision to not return.
“The Croatian manager has had his odds cut at UK bookmakers, from 33/1 just days ago into 6/1 this Monday morning (Oct 13).
“Punters have backed Bilic over the weekend, with the 57-year-old accounting for 22 per-cent of all bets on next Rangers manager in the last 24 hours.
“That means Bilic only trails front-runner Danny Rohl, who remains the bookies’ favourite at even money (1/1).
Read more on the Scottish Sun
UP FOR THE CUP
Humble Sir Alex Ferguson gifts money to tiny Scottish football club
SICK & CRUEL
I was kicked out of JoJo Siwa gig – now vile trolls have sent me death threats
“Kevin Muscat is the third favourite in the betting (7/1), followed by Hearts manager Derek McInnes (8/1) and former West Ham manager Graham Potter (9/1).
“The duo of Barry Ferguson (10/1) and Stephen Robinson are next up, followed by Ralph Hassenhutl (16/1), Michael Carrick (20/1) and Davide Ancelotti (25/1).”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
