There is no doubt that Gio van Bronckhorst is a man under pressure - and some Rangers fans have already started looking beyond the Dutchman during the World Cup break.
A lacklustre draw with St Mirren saw the Glasgow giants limp into the winter shutdown nine points behind rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race, and the record breaking low point in the Champions League has done little to strengthen Van Bronckhorst's case to remain in the hot seat when the league emerges from cold storage.
Douglas Park and the Rangers board are facing a big call over whether to stick with the boss that took them to the Europa League final last term, or implement a quick-fire succession plan to allow a new boss the chance to implement a mini pre-season schedule during the extended break. It's a massive call with no option for a misstep with the convincing advantage Ange Postecoglou's side hold at the top already this term.
But who is in the running for the hot seat should Van Bronckhorst leave Ibrox? Record Sport takes a look at the early contenders who are being touted and what they have had to say on their futures.
Sean Dyche
The former Burnley boss is on the lookout for his next job, and was quizzed about a potential move to Ibrox by talkSPORT host Jim White. He responded: “There is a window of opportunity (for the English Premier League) and I think I’m still in it.
"People say I’ve been out of the game for seven months but when you consider there’s three months of a close season then it’s like four active months. I’ve got a window of possible opportunity in the Premier League.
"If it comes my way then brilliant, if not then I’ll have to broaden my horizons. I do know Ross Wilson at Rangers and if he’d like to invite me to the Old Firm derby – I’ve never been – then he should. I’ve heard so many stories and I’d love to do it. I worked with Ross at Watford.”
Kjetil Knutsen
Amid the uncertainty over Van Bronckhorst, the Norwegian was put on the spot about a potential move by the Norwegian press. He said: “Firstly, I have Morten Wivestad as my agent.
"I have been clear that now I stand with my head in a pressure cooker, and things that are outside Bodo/Glimt I am completely uninterested in. I do not want any enquiries, and I do not answer any telephone calls. I only have 100 per cent focus on Bodo/Glimt."
Michael Beale
Michael Beale was asked about a potential return as boss at Ibrox in the summer after taking his first job as a manager at QPR. Since then he has knocked back Wolves, but could Rangers convince him?
Speaking in July, he said: "I would like to manage Rangers one day. I would like to think I have enough of an allegiance with the club and fans but it's one thing wanting to do it and another to be competent and good enough.
"I was good enough to be a decent assistant. Time will tell whether I have the ingredients and qualities to be a good enough manager that I could go back there.
"I feel like I can do that job but Rangers are in such a good place now that they will have no shortage of top managers wanting that job. I hope Rangers never go back to what we inherited. Because it took a lot to get them where they are now. I can only see bright things in the future with people like John Bennett and Ross Wilson at the club."
Kevin Muscat
After lifting the title with Yokohama F Marinos the former Rangers midfielder was quizzed about a potential move away from the J-League. However, he was playing his cards close to his chest.
At the end of the campaign he said: "Throughout the year, there was a couple of opportunities but I didn’t really entertain them. We love it in Japan.
"Until something else comes up that interests me, I’m just going to focus on the present – if you do that, the future will look after itself, but if you’re focusing on the future, you’ll mess up what’s in front of you. But my phone has been busier than usual, put it that way."
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