Potential Rangers manager candidate Kevin Muscat has stepped down from his role in charge of Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos.
The former Ibrox player – who spent the treble-winning 02/03 season in Glasgow – leaves by “mutual” consent in search of a “new challenge”.
It comes after Kevin Muscat was strongly linked with the Rangers job following the sacking of Michael Beale, although the gig eventually went to Philippe Clement.
Similarly, Kevin Muscat was linked to the manager’s job at Championship side Millwall, another of his former clubs, but lost out to Joe Edwards.
Kevin Muscat bows out at Yokohama F Marinos
Kevin Muscat resigns from his post in charge of Yokohama F Marinos after two-and-a-half years in charge of the Japanese side.
Having replaced Celtic-bound Ange Postecoglou in charge of the J-League side, Kevin Muscat won the J-League title last season but narrowly lost out to Vissel Kobe this time around.
Also guiding the side to a 2nd place finish in his first season in charge, the manager lifted the Japanese Super Cup earlier this year.
In a statement following his departure, Yokohama CEO Akihiro Nakayama heaped praise Kevin Muscat for “his many accomplishments”
“Manager Kevin Muscat has recently stepped down as the manager of Yokohama F. Marinos and will be aiming for a new challenge,” said Nakayama.
“We would like to express our gratitude to Coach Muscat for his many accomplishments.
“It was a difficult decision for the club to make, but after repeated discussions, the club respected Coach Muscat’s wishes and reached a mutual agreement.
“As the Marinos family, we would like to support Coach Muscat in his new challenge.”
Rangers manager hunt led elsewhere
Having played an attacking brand of football in Japan, Kevin Muscat was many people’s first choice to become the new Rangers manager.
Celtic’s success with Ange Postecoglou obviously had a few looking towards the Far East with the now Tottenham boss’s successor turning up trees in the J-League.
But in the end the Rangers managerial hunt led elsewhere and Kevin Muscat now appears willing to take his chances after a successful stint in Japan.
Having spent a short and unsuccessful spell in charge of Belgian side Sint Truiden, Kevin Muscat has also managed Melbourne Victory in the Australian A-League.