Former Rangers and Everton star lands first manager job as move ‘already been decided’ ahead of summer

He also counts West Ham United and Hull City amongst former clubs alongside Rangers plus Everton.

A former Rangers and Everton striker is set to become a senior manager for the first time.

Nikica Jelavic ended his playing career at Lokomotiva Zagreb in 2021 after just a handful of appearances for the club, beloved by Rangers fans for a goal-laden spell between 2010-2012 in which he won the SPL and League Cup. There were 50 goal contributions in 55 appearances – 36 goals and 14 assists – before moving to Everton where he scored 21 times in 69 games. He went on to play at West Ham United, Hull City and had a stint in China.

Now 39, he is moving into the senior management fold. The former striker has been leading Lokomotiva’s youth side as of late and towards the end of 2024 it looked as if a promotion to the first team was going to beckon.

Why Rangers and Everton favourite set for manager job

Silvijo Cabraja was the manager under pressure at that time and while it looked likely that the axe was going to fall, he survived despite the relegation danger that mounted. It was claimed at that time that Jelavic would be the interim leader but Cabraja remained in post until March when he could no longer hold on, but it was assistant Damir Ferencina who was named caretaker. Lokomotiva are now safe from relegation and the former Rangers and Everton man has been confirmed as first team manager next season.

Speaking to Sportske Novosti, club academy chief Jurica Cabraja said: “Everything is already planned. So, Jelavic will take over the senior team in the summer, and (Ante) Ivanda will take his place.