Much to the amazement of Scottish football writers and fans alike, Mark Warburton signed a 3-year deal
to become the 14th Rangers manager on 14th June 2015. Teaming up with former defensive stalwart David Weir, the pair have swept through Ibrox and kicked the new revolution into gear. The Ibrox corridors have been cleared of a 3 year hangover of uncertainty and despair and Mark Warburton is in the driving seat.
Warburton began his career in the Watford youth academy before switching to Brentford in February 2011. Until his appointment as manager in December 2013 he served as a coach and sporting director, leading the league one club to promotion and then the Bees’ highest championship finish in 80 years.
The Englishman opened his Ibrox tenure carrying the promise of a fresh start and he has not reneged on this promise (rather unlike a certain Edinburgh club this transfer window). There is a renewed freshness around Ibrox that has not been present in years. Most managers would think coaching, motivating, selecting and encouraging a group of professional players would be more than enough work, but Warburton wants to shape all the ancillary factors that surround the squad as well. And so, those solitary hours at the training ground are so far proving to be worthwhile indeed. It is no surprise that Rangers this week announced in excess of 35,000-40,000 season ticket sales.
As for Warburton himself, he recognises change is needed in steps; “For any manager or person in business it would be a mistake to walk in and make too many changes too early and miss the fact you have good quality people here,” he adds deferentially. “But our job is to come in and assess what we have, look at the processes and procedures that are in place like medical, analytical, logistical etc.” From day One Warburton stressed that the work ‘starts now‘, a message that excited the Gers’s faithful.
Warburton’s signings have signaled his intent. The 9 players brought in thus far have brought the average age down at Ibrox sevenfold; Foderingham, Wilson, Kiernan, Tavernier, Thompson, Holt, Waghorn, Ball and Oduwa. All look young and determined with a real desire to do well for the club vested in them.
Gone are the days of ‘the future is Whyte, the future is Green and Whyte.’ A new revolution has taken over Ibrox and after a 6-2 win away to Hibernian and a 3-1 home victory against St. Mirren, Mark Warburton has started his tenure in an exciting fashion.
