- Kevin Thomson questions Danny Rohl suitability for Rangers job, calling for a stronger “figurehead” manager model.
- Old Firm pressure demands authority and presence, not just tactical coaching, says Thomson.
- Debate intensifies ahead of Celtic vs Rangers over leadership style and club direction.
Former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson has suggested the club may need to rethink their managerial strategy.
The 41-year-old argued that the role at Ibrox requires more than tactical structure alone and raising questions over whether current head coach Danny Rohl fits that profile.
Speaking in discussion with Paul Slane on Thomson’s Breakdown Podcast, he highlighted the importance of presence and authority in the Old Firm environment.
In turn, suggesting Rangers, and Celtic, demand a specific type of leadership figure at the top of the club.
“Figureheading” the Rangers job
Thomson pointed to what he sees as a growing gap between modern head coach models and the traditional demands of Glasgow’s biggest clubs.
“I would say the Rangers manager or the Celtic manager need that presence,” he said.
He referenced former Celtic bosses Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers as examples of figures who combine authority with identity and style, suggesting that level of managerial weight is crucial in Glasgow.
“Brendan was a big, big hitter,” Thomson explained.
“Off the back of the prestige, what he brought to Celtic, the style of football, the energy, the success.”
Pressure of the Old Firm environment and Danny Rohl lack of “aura”
Former Celtic winger Slane added that while tactical ability is essential, it is often not enough on its own in Glasgow’s football landscape.
In a city where scrutiny and expectation on its big two is constant.
“Having an aura is big,” said the Open Goal host.
“But it’s magnified at Celtic and Rangers because of the media, because of the pressure, because of the intensity.”
He stressed that the challenge is finding a manager who can balance both elite tactical delivery and the psychological demands of the job.
“It’s really hard to find a manager that’s got both,” he admitted.
“An unbelievable tactician and the presence and mentality to deal with being a Celtic and Rangers manager.”
Implicit pressure on Danny Rohl
While not directly criticising Rohl by name, Thomson’s comments inevitably place scrutiny on the current structure at Rangers, where the head coach model prioritises coaching detail over traditional managerial authority.
In Thomson’s view, Rangers may need a more visible, commanding figurehead to match the demands of domestic dominance and Old Firm expectation.
Thomson worked under the legendary Walter Smith, more known for his man management and figurehead role than his work on the training pitch.
Steven Gerrard return speculation
The discussion also briefly touched on former manager Steven Gerrard, with Slane suggesting a return may not be impossible.
He asked: “Do you think Gerrard would go back?”
“I think he would, yeah,” Thomson replied.
The exchange underlines the broader theme of familiarity, authority and identity, qualities both believe are central to success at Rangers.
Gerrard was linked with a return to Ibrox before Rohl’s appointment in October but stepped away from the process.
He has recently been touted as a replacement for Scott Parker at Burnley.
Read Rangers analysis
Thomson’s comments add to an ongoing debate around Rangers’ long-term direction.
Whether the club continues with a modern head coach structure or shifts back towards a more traditional, high-profile managerial figure capable of dominating both the dressing room and the wider Old Firm stage.
In Glasgow, as both men suggest, presence matters almost as much as process.
The two opposing styles will collide on Sunday, as the modern approach of Rohl takes on the classic Celtic figurehead that is Martin O’Neill.
A Gers win would bring them back into contention for a second-place finish behind leaders Hearts.
And it would also severely damage Celtic’s own title bid.
Rohl has failed to beat O’Neill in their previous three encounters, another defeat on Sunday may define his future at Ibrox.
