Gers can book semi-final at Hampden with win over Hamilton
Scottish Cup quarter-final weekend. Rangers host Hamilton at lunchtime today looking to clinch a return to the National Stadium for the semis.
The Light Blues were held to a 1-1 draw by Accies on the opening day of the season so this is yet another fixture for Rangers to put right.
The glorious and much needed 3-2 win over St Johnstone on Wednesday will give the players a bit of relief. Playing well and looking good at 2-0 up, losing two goals and Rob Kiernan to a red card was typical of this season.
However, man of the match Emerson Hyndman finally scored the goal he was looking for all night to secure a first league win since January 28.
Twitter: Good win tonight. Was delighted to score my first at Ibrox, incredible feeling. Thank you to all the fans for the s… https://t.co/zErmeJOYFs (@emersonhyndman)
The search for a new manager and Director of Football continues at Ibrox. It appears as if Graeme Murty will hold the reigns for at least another week. That victory on Wednesday night was vital for him following two league defeats under his temporary charge.
Managing Director Stewart Robertson explained to the fans via his programme notes midweek why the new appointments have taken their time.
We simply could not be hurried into making decisions which might not have been correct for the club’s long term development.
As things stand the most likely appointments will be Ross Wilson and Pedro Caixinha. Wilson is currently Head of Recruitment at Southampton and has been the board’s clear favourite for Director of Football.
Caixinha is a relatively unknown candidate. The Portuguese coach is currently the manager at Al-Gharafa in Qatar. The same club where former Rangers winger Vladimir Weiss now plays.
Caixinha’s name has become more prominent within the last week. Some of his successes include winning the league and cup in Mexico with Santos Laguna. The board will appoint their Director of Football first, though, and he will have a say on the new manager.
Murty led Rangers to victory in the last round of the cup against Morton. Last year’s runners-up will be hoping to go all the way this season. Taking care of Hamilton at Ibrox today is another step closer.
YouTube: PRESS CONFERENCE | Graeme Murty | 02 Mar 2017
The Old Firm derby next Sunday will either be Murty’s final game as caretaker manager, or the new man’s first game. Whichever scenario it is Rangers will need at least a performance at Parkhead to show their fight in the jersey. Some of them will now have to prove themselves to their new boss when he arrives.
A more high pressing game was evident for the majority of Wednesday’s win, a trait that has been lacking this season. If Rangers keep up that play which led them to victory it might be a brighter end to the campaign.
First thing’s first. Let’s get to Hampden.