Amid Ibrox Return Rumors, Pundit Tips Former Rangers Boss for Sheffield Wednesday Role
As the managerial carousel continues to spin in the English Football League, one familiar face has re-entered the conversation. A former Rangers manager, whose tenure at Ibrox remains a topic of divided opinion, is now being linked with a return to the dugout—this time south of the border. The club in question? Sheffield Wednesday.
Amid whispers of an Ibrox return—rumors that have swirled ever since Rangers’ managerial future became uncertain—a new opportunity appears to be emerging for the ex-Gers boss. According to respected pundit and former Scotland international Alan McInally, the former Rangers manager could be the ideal fit for the Owls, who are looking to rebuild after a disappointing season in the Championship.
“Sheffield Wednesday need direction, leadership, and someone who can galvanize that squad,” McInally said during a segment on Sky Sports News. “I know there’s chatter about him going back to Rangers, but I think this is a better opportunity for him to craft a project from the ground up without the enormous pressure of Ibrox expectations. He’s got the experience, and he knows how to handle big clubs and passionate fanbases.”
While McInally didn’t explicitly name the manager, it’s widely believed he was referring to Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who led Rangers to the Europa League final in 2022 before being dismissed in late 2022 following a poor domestic run. Since then, van Bronckhorst has remained out of management, reportedly waiting for the right opportunity to return to the game.
With Sheffield Wednesday now on the hunt for a new manager following Xisco Muñoz’s recent departure, van Bronckhorst’s name has begun to circulate among fans and media alike. While some still question his tactical consistency, others praise his European pedigree and calm demeanor under pressure.
A move to Hillsborough could offer van Bronckhorst a fresh start in a competitive environment, and one that allows him to rebuild his reputation in English football. For Sheffield Wednesday, securing a manager of his experience could signal intent and ambition at a crucial juncture.
Whether the Ibrox return materializes or not, the growing support for his appointment at Wednesday suggests that van Bronckhorst’s managerial journey may soon enter a new chapter—one that could prove mutually beneficial for both club and coach.