Derek McInnes. Surprisingly passed over prior to the appointment of Pedro Caixinha in March, the Aberdeen manager remains the prime candidate for the post, even if the fact he and assistant Tony Docherty signed a new contract this summer which takes them through to the summer of 2019 makes him rather more expensive. A boyhood Rangers fan, with plenty of pedigree in the post, he already has a rapport with Ryan Jack and could bring Kenny McLean with him.

Alex McLeish. Another man mentioned in dispatches with the post back in March, the 58-year-old dealt well with trying financial circumstances during his previous spell at the club, taking Rangers to last-day title wins in 2003 and 2005. Won the English League Cup with Birmingham, and has also managed Aston Villa, Genk and Scotland.

Read more: Six of the worst: The matches that doomed Pedro Caixinha at Rangers

Graeme Murty. Deputised to decent effect after the departure of Mark Warburton last season, including an Old Firm point at Parkhead which was the only joy Rangers got in the fixture all season long. The former York City, Reading, Charlton and Southampton player has been coaching the Rangers development squad and has been given the job on an interim basis for a second time.

Tommy Wright. Somebody at some point will take a chance on the St Johnstone manager, who has shown all the characteristics to take on a bigger job. The bluff, no-nonsense Northern Irishman took the Perth side all the way to the 2014 Scottish Cup win against Dundee United, and has certainly proved adept at getting the best out of Michael O’Halloran, who remains under contract at Rangers.

Billy Davies. Immediately installed as the favourite at some bookmakers, Davies has worked in the English top flight at Derby County and would certainly take players out of their comfort zone. Has something to offer but whether the board are likely to work with such a combative personality remains to be seen.

Frank de Boer. The Dutchman expressed an interest in the job prior to the appointment of Caixinha, and again finds himself out of work after his reign at Crystal Palace lasted just five matches. Again, would seem like a long-term project rather than a short-term fix and Rangers may require the latter.

Sam Allardyce. The Crystal Palace manager before him, Allardyce is an intriguing outside bet for the post, although whether Rangers have the financial wherewithal to attract such a candidate remains to be seen. Functional style may win football matches but doesn’t always win admirers.

Walter Smith. Would be a hugely popular choice for what would be his third period in charge. Disciplinarian who still attends matches but turns 70 in February and it seems unlikely that he would fancy putting his head above the parapet again.