Next Cove Rangers Manager Odds – Four Names Who Could Replace Paul Hartley
Paul Hartley is facing mounting pressure at Cove Rangers after a poor start to the new campaign, with next Cove Rangers manager odds expected to appear on betting sites in the near future.
Just a few months on from reaching the Scottish Championship play-off final – where they fell short against Airdrie – the Toonsers find themselves rooted to the foot of League One and still searching for a first league win after a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Kelty Hearts on Saturday.
At Free Bets, we've taken a closer look at the leading contenders who could step into the hot seat at the Balmoral Stadium if Hartley's reign comes to an end.
Next Cove Rangers Manager Candidates
We've highlighted some of the leading contenders who could take charge if the Cove Rangers board choose to part company with Hartley.
Ian Murray
Murray has coached across multiple levels of Scottish football.
After success leading Airdrieonians in League One – where his team regularly contended for promotion – he took over as Raith Rovers manager in 2022.
He improved Raith from a 7th-place finish to 2nd in the Championship the following season, reaching the promotion play-off final.
Despite this achievement, he was sacked in August 2024 amid a dip in form.
Murray favours an attacking, high-tempo style – his Raith side was praised for their attacking brand of football.
Given that Cove Rangers are in League One, Murray's mix of Championship experience and lower-league know-how could suit the club's promotion ambitions.
Murray's proven ability to build competitive teams and employ progressive tactics makes him a strong candidate for Cove.
Kevin Thomson
Thomson had a notable playing pedigree, and after coaching in Rangers’ academy, he became the manager of Kelty Hearts in 2021.
In his first season as a head coach, Thomson led Kelty to the 2021–22 Scottish League Two title, winning promotion.
He resigned after that triumph in May 2022 and has since been linked with several managerial vacancies as a promising young coach.
Thomson has been praised for encouraging confident, attacking football, with his Kelty side often dominating opponents.
His modern approach and high-level playing experience could make him an appealing choice to energise Cove Rangers.
The main risk is his limited track record – he has not managed above League Two, so a step up to League One will test his credentials.
Nonetheless, if Cove are willing to gamble on an ambitious young manager, Thomson's early success suggests a high upside.
James McPake
McPake is a former Dundee manager who has rebuilt his reputation at Dunfermline.
After being dismissed by Dundee in early 2022 despite securing promotion to the Premiership, he took charge of Dunfermline later that year and guided them to the League One title in his first season.
His Pars side then consolidated in the Championship, where he has been praised for steadying the club financially and competitively under challenging circumstances.
McPake prefers a pragmatic but flexible style, balancing defensive solidity with quick attacking transitions.
He is known as a strong man-manager who builds good relationships with his players and demands discipline.
For Cove, McPake would represent a proven promotion winner at the League One level who understands the pressures of climbing the divisions.
The main question would be whether he is available or interested, given his commitment to Dunfermline — but his profile fits well with Cove's ambition.
Kevin Rutkiewicz
Rutkiewicz is a former defender who turned to management in Scotland's lower leagues.
He took charge of Stirling Albion in 2018 and remained there until resigning in December 2021.
In March 2022, he was appointed boss of East Kilbride, where he won the Lowland League Cup that year before stepping down in early 2023.
He has been out of management since, and is currently available.
Rutkiewicz is regarded as a diligent, defense-minded coach.
He has yet to secure a league promotion, but his teams have been competitive within their means.
Hiring Rutkiewicz would be a gamble for Cove, given his limited experience at the League One level.
However, he knows Scottish lower-league football well and could offer stability and fresh ideas.
For a club seeking a long-term project, Rutkiewicz is a viable option – albeit unproven in terms of delivering promotion.
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