The manager hunt continues: What’s next for Rangers?
Nearly two weeks since the departure of Mark Warburton, Rangers need to find a replacement as soon as possible.
Under 20’s coach Graeme Murty has been in caretaker charge of the first team for the last two games against Morton and Dundee.
Despite keeping Rangers in the Scottish Cup with victory over Morton, a defeat at Dundee left Rangers in further disarray.
YouTube: REACTION | Graeme Murty | Dundee 2-1 Rangers
The loss at Dens Park meant Rangers stayed six points behind Aberdeen in the race for second. This only proves why the club must seek a long-term successor to Warburton.
A short-term fix until the end of the season may deliver a Europa League return after six years. However, qualifiers for the competition begin in June, just weeks after the domestic season ends. Would the club still be hunting for a manager by then?
Of course, Rangers could hire a manager on a pre-contract before the season is over. Before any European qualifiers come round, though, stability, cohesion and good recruitment is necessary.
YouTube: INTERVIEW | Stewart Robertson
The hunt is also on for a Director of Football. This could be a good move for Rangers. With the exception of last season’s Championship, Rangers have struggled in the football department, arguably, since 2011.
A structure such as the Director of Football above a manager, or Head Coach, can provide a seamless recruitment process every time. But the club need to get it right.
It is not just the first team management which requires improvement. The playing squad and financial support also needs addressing for any competition to take place domestically in years to come. Any new manager or Director of Football will make sure of that hopefully.
The defeats away from home this season have highlighted some of the attributes the current Rangers team lacks. If there is fight, determination and leadership within the squad it hasn’t shown up often. The club’s recruitment policy should factor this in during the summer window.
Short-term loan signings are not the answer either, really. Although Emerson Hyndman has been a good addition to the midfield, he returns to Bournemouth in May and Rangers need to enter the market again. Jon Toral has not made as much of an impression so far.
Twitter: Don’t demand respect, earn it. https://t.co/fQsQD2P40U (@emersonhyndman)
Players should be signed who can benefit the club in the long-term. Much like the next manager should be.
Joe Garner was a near two million pounds signing in August. Will his contribution at Rangers deliver a profit if he is signed by another club? Those questions are important when buying players from now on. Signing players with the potential of improving the squad but also improving the bank balance in the future.
Whoever the new management team is, this time it has to be spot on because Rangers can no longer afford to just stumble through a season.