Clarke Carlisle Claims Sean Dyche Missed Golden Opportunity by Rejecting Rangers Job

Clarke Carlisle has expressed his belief that Sean Dyche missed a significant opportunity by not accepting the management position at Rangers. Carlisle, who is a former Premier League defender and current member of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award judging panel, praised Dyche’s capabilities and suggested he would have thrived in Scottish football.
Missed Opportunity for Sean Dyche at Rangers
Carlisle stated, “Sean Dyche has missed a trick not going up to Rangers and taking that opportunity.” He emphasized that the Rangers job represents a chance to make a lasting impact, akin to what Steven Gerrard achieved during his tenure. Carlisle noted that Dyche’s style, focused on defensive solidity, would have been a good fit for Scottish football.
Dyche’s Potential Impact
According to Carlisle, despite losing several key players, including Cyriel Dessers, Rangers still possesses enough talent to compete for titles. He believes that with minimal investment, a team managed by Dyche could contend for trophies effectively.
- Dyche’s managerial style focuses on building defensively robust teams.
- Rangers have sufficient squad strength to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title.
- The opportunity is seen as a regretful miss for Dyche.
Reflections from Clarke Carlisle
Reflecting on his own career, Carlisle shared his regret about not joining Rangers when he had the chance. He remarked, “I had the opportunity to sign for Rangers when they were banished down to the bottom of Scottish football, and I regret not doing that.” He believed it would have been remarkable to be part of the club’s resurgence.
However, Carlisle acknowledged the high expectations for any new manager at Rangers, indicating that the role could be viewed as a challenging one. He stated, “Whoever comes in next has to back themselves to turn the ship around immediately.” The pressure remains significant, particularly with Rangers not far behind the league leaders.
About the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award
The William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award is renowned for being the longest-standing and most prestigious literary prize for sports writing globally. Established in 1989, it recognizes authors who capture the essence of sports through compelling storytelling.
- The 2025 judging panel includes prominent figures like Alyson Rudd and Clarke Carlisle.
- The shortlist will be announced on October 30th, while the awards ceremony is set for November 25th.