Could Frank Lampard be a contender for Rangers manager after Norwich twist?

Less than 24 hours ago it looked like Frank Lampard was all set to return to the Premier League dugout after his odds were slashed to a tiny 1/40 in the betting to become the next Norwich City manager.

However, fast-forward to the here-and-now on Friday afternoon and it’s been revealed that Lampard, who held talks with the Canaries, has pulled out of the running for the job (via The Telegraph’s Matt Law).

As a result Dean Smith, who only left Aston Villa on Sunday, has instantly rocketed to the top of the market and now appears to be in pole position for the job. 

According to Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett the Englishman, who has been linked with Rangers too, impressed the Norwich hierarchy during an interview this week:

“Smith is understood to have been extremely impressive in his interview, boasting an in-depth knowledge of the squad, playing style and culture of the club.”

However, it’s important to note that Bodo Glimt head coach Kjetil Knutsen could also still be in the running to take charge of the Premier League’s basement club.

This is purely speculative of course, but could Lampard’s Norwich decision have anything to do with a certain vacancy that’s cropped up in Scotland?

The former Chelsea manager was a 20/1 outsider for the Rangers post earlier on Friday, but his odds are now being cut as we speak: currently down to just 3/1.

The chance to win silverware will surely appeal to Lampard. Rangers are top of the table with their next match a League Cup semi-final, while they are also still in with a chance of advancing into the knockout-stages of the Europa League.

Former Gers player Giovanni Van Bronckhorst remains the odds-on frontrunner to return to Ibrox as manager, and features as one our three exciting managerial options that the club should contemplate following Gerrard’s switch to Aston Villa - see link above.

Ex-Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes remains in the mix, as do the likes of Alex Neil, Russell Martin, and Callum Davidson, while Duncan Ferguson can be backed at 16/1.

Full odds below….