Robbie Neilson held talks with Philippe Clement over becoming assistant manager at Rangers last month.
The former Hearts manager had engaged in discussions with the Belgian manager over the possibility of becoming No2 in the Ibrox dugout.
However, instead of being in the Rangers dugout, Neilson has landed a shock new job Stateside at USL Championship club Tampa Bay Rowdies.
New Tampa Bay Rowdies boss Robbie Neilson chose to move to Florida despite holding talks with Philippe Clement last month about becoming the Belgian’s assistant manager at Rangers. Neilson will start his new job in January. Stephan Van Der Heyden subsequently became No.2 at Ibrox https://t.co/ZBM3qMexDX
— Mark Donaldson 🏴 (@DonaldsonESPN) November 9, 2023
Stephan Van Der Heyden was brought in as Clement's assistant last month.
ESPN journalist Mark Donaldson broke news of the surprise discussions between Neilson and Clement as the ex-Dundee United boss was unveiled as Rowdies head coach.
On social media site X, formerly Twitter, he posted: "New Tampa Bay Rowdies boss Robbie Neilson chose to move to Florida despite holding talks with Philippe Clement last month about becoming the Belgian’s assistant manager at Rangers.
"Neilson will start his new job in January. Stephan Van Der Heyden subsequently became No.2 at Ibrox."
