The next Rangers manager clue hiding in plain sight as Balogun exit sparks convincing conclusion

Leon Balogun’s exit post and the Barry Ferguson decision both point to something pretty conclusive over the new boss

"The process is ongoing."

That's the official, stock answer from Rangers on their search for a new manager.

And of course, that's true as the club try to identify the right man to be be Philippe Clement's long-term successor.

But when Leon Balogun revealed on Tuesday morning he hasn't been offered a contract extension at Ibrox, the big defender might also have posted a clue as to how far down the line Rangers actually are to getting their man.

After all, you have to ask - who has made the decision not to keep Balogun for another year?

The easy answer is new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who is already heavily involved despite not officially arriving from Everton until next month.

But surely Thelwell can't be making huge decisions on players' futures without consulting the new gaffer first?

That would be crazy given that a boss coming in might be desperate to keep Balogun's experience, for example, within the building.

So if Thelwell is already working in conjunction with someone to shape the squad for next season, that tells you Rangers are deep into the process of announcing their next manager - and an unveiling has to be imminent.

Along with the Balogun's departure, you can throw the the Barry Ferguson situation into it as well.

The club's interim boss felt last week he had a genuine chance of getting the job permanently after talks with Thelwell and CEO Patrick Stewart.

But all of a sudden, as soon as Saturday's last Premiership fixture against Hibs was complete, they couldn't wait to get it out there that Ferguson's services were no longer required.

Again, that quick, decisive action would suggest they're all but there on deciding who'll be in the dug-out for the start of pre-season.

Steven Gerrard's name is being heavily linked again and Davide Ancelotti's has never gone away.

The likes of Russell Martin, Gary O'Neil and Rob Edwards were mentioned from the start, along with Thelwell's old Everton sidekick Sean Dyche.

But if it was any of the above, would they not already be in situ at Ibrox? They're all out of work so what would be the hold up?

Or has the club quietly been working away in the background with someone who's yet to be mentioned - and who is already making big decisions like allowing Balogun to leave?