Player Profile: Kevin Muscat (2002 to 2003)
Born in England, Kevin Muscat grew up in Australia and played for several sides in the Australian National Soccer League before earning a move back to the UK with Crystal Palace, with whom he won promotion to the Premier League.
Predominantly deployed at right full back, Muscat earned a ‘hard man’ reputation, and many felt his physical approach and general antics frequently crossed the line.
Whilst playing with the Socceroos, he was widely criticised for a shocking tackle on Christophe Dugarry which sidelined the French star for 3 months. In 1998, a Muscat challenge prematurely ended the career of Charlton midfielder Matt Holmes. Birmingham City's Martin Grainger once described Muscat as “probably the most hated man in football”.
An initial spell in South London was followed by 5 seasons in the Midlands with Wolvehampron Wanderers. In the summer of 2002, Alex McLeish moved to sign the 28-year-old under freedom of contract. Given his past record South of the border, the player was keen to make a fresh start in Scotland where he would team up with international teammate Craig Moore.
Muscat made his Rangers debut at Ibrox on 10th August 2002 as Dundee were defeated 3-0. Ironically, his final appearance was also against the Dens Park side as Rangers completed the domestic treble by winning the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park. Having made a total of 28 appearances in all competitions, Kevin certainly contributed towards that success without ever making the position his own.
Strangely, Muscat never managed to make an Old Firm appearance during his year in Glasgow.
The development of Maurice Ross and Alan Hutton possibly persuaded McLeish to move Muscat on at the end of the season, it was no secret that the Gers manager was under severe pressure to reduce the wage bill and, having signed on a ‘Bosman’, it could be assumed that Muscat would have been at the higher end of the salary scale. He returned to London where he joined Millwall.
On retiring, Kevin went on to build a positive reputation as a coach with title wins recorded in Australia, Japan and China. Whilst those countries were not ordinarily a yardstick of expectations within the UK, the initial success of Ange Postecoglou (who had a very similar CV and perceived attacking playing style) at Celtic soon brought Muscat’s name to the fore. He was rumoured to be in the mix for the Manager’s job at Ibrox when Philippe Clement was eventually selected.
Then, in October 2025, credible reports suggested that Muscat was to set be unveiled as Head Coach following the sacking of Russell Martin. At the 11th hour talks appeared to stall somewhat abruptly, replicating the situation with Steven Gerrard a week previously. In the end, Rangers turned to Danny Rohl who was appointed on 20th October 2025.
by Rick Plews
