FORMER Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has been named as an early favourite to become the new Rangers boss, in the bookies.

Giovanni van Bronkhorst was relieved of his duties today after a year in charge at Ibrox, despite leading the Scottish side to a Europa League final and winning the national cup last season.

Rangers are nine points behind rivals Celtic in the Scottish Premier League and lost all six matches of their Champions League group stage with a record-worst goal difference.

Hasenhuttl, who was sacked by Saints just two weeks ago and replaced by Luton Town manager Nathan Jones, is an early favourite to succeed him.

Daily Echo: Rangers' manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst gestures on the touchline during the cinch Premiership match at The SMiSA Stadium

On popular site Sky Bet, ex-Burnley manager Sean Dyche is the favourite at 4/1 with QPR’s Michael Beale (5/1) and Kevin Muscat (7/1) following him.

Hasenhuttl is then the next favourite, priced at 8/1 to make an early return to management despite declaring his interest to retire in the summer of 2024.

Hasenhuttl likely received a significant compensation package after his sacking four years into his role at St Mary’s, in which he kept Saints in the Premier League without fail.

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