With around two weeks’ elapsed since Rangers’ boss Pedro Caixinha announced his intention to appoint a ‘local assistant’, it has further developed today that it may well take a further seven days before the new man is announced.

But who exactly is in the frame? The entire saga has been a pretty intriguing tale of suspense and misinformation, with various individuals at particular times looking like ‘sure bets’ before their star faded and fans were left nonethewiser and Ibrox Noise takes you through the main names now apparently on the shortlist.

Barry Ferguson:

The popular choice for many over the piece, the Ibrox legend was at one point in absolute pole position but despite his confirmed interview with Caixinha, the appointment did not immediately materialise. Ferguson has grown up a great deal since the ‘greetin’ wee ned’ he was seen as in the late 90s, and while his coaching skills are a matter of debate, few know and understand modern Rangers as well as he does.

John Brown:

Also interviewed by Ped, Bomber has been quite transparent in his recent media conversations about wanting the gig – few have presented themselves to the press as much as he of late, and the 9IAR legend is definitely a front-runner for the job. From his point of view, he will be hoping Caixinha feels the same.

Peter Lovenkrands:

A surprise name to emerge, Lovenkrands was interviewed for the job a week ago and is a very curious name to link to the role. Yes, he knows Rangers, but many fans raised an eyebrow when his name appeared along with the rest.

Alex Rae:

An integral part of the Alex McLeish era, Rae also did a pretty good job in Belgium with his former gaffer as assistant to him, and was hugely impressed by the Portuguese after his interview with him for the job around the same time as Pistol Pete’s. Rae certainly knows what Rangers means, and is a popular figure with many. It would not be an unpopular call.

Jonatan Johansson:

Unclear as yet if the Finn actually had an interview, but from his performances on RTV he is an articulate, smart, and knowledgeable chap who could sure play a bit in his day and has a disarming calm around him. His name was unexpectedly raised in the mix recently, but given he is the assistant manager for his country’s national side, this job may just be too much for him to take on.

Kevin Thomson:

His name arose a week ago, but today it was confirmed by the man himself that he too has had a grilling from Ped the Ted and is most definitely in the frame. Only 32, some might argue he is too young, but if they are good enough, they are old enough, and Thomson has dedicated himself to football academy work and decent TV punditry since injury forced him into early retirement. He is a surprise choice but Rangers could do worse.

Some very interesting names in there, and feel free to add any I have forgotten. But this saga does appear to be nearing its eventual conclusion and the above seems to be the final choice. Probably.