- Scott Arfield takes interim Livingston role while insisting he remains focused on playing career.
- Steven Whittaker appointed Stirling Albion manager as he begins full-time coaching rebuild.
- Former Rangers duo start managerial careers at opposite ends of Scottish football pyramid.
Two former Rangers players have started their management careers this week, at opposite ends of the Scottish football pyramid.
Supporter feeling from Ibrox between the pair is very different.
One is a treasured favourite, and the other exiled from Govan.
Scott Arfield takes over at Livingston
Firstly, Scott Arfield, who recently opened a bar near Ibrox for supporters to enjoy refreshments pre-match, took over as interim player/manager at Livingston.
The Premiership side are set to be relegated after a dismal season which has seen them pick up just two victories.
With Marvin Bartley walking away from his contract amid a dispute with the Livi hierarchy, Arfield, who signed in January has taken charge for the final few matches.
Scott Arfield focused on playing
The 37-year-old has said he is not interested in the job full time however, wanting to continue his playing career.
“I’ll tell you on 17 May,” said Arfield when asked if he would continue beyond the end of the season.
“If I get a wee bit of grey hair then I’m not interested but if it’s three wins, we’ve only had two wins all season, you never know, you never know.
“I don’t think you’re ever sure if you want to be in this position until you’re thrown in. I’m quite happy being thrown in at the deep end, I have been throughout my career at certain times, and you either sink or you swim.
“I wouldn’t throw my name in.
“I still feel as if I’ve got a lot to give as a player.”
He took charge of his debut match earlier today, going down 3-0 to Dundee, managed by another ex-Ranger in Steven Pressley.
Steven Whittaker appointed at Stirling Albion
Elsewhere, further down the pyramid, Steven Whittaker has been confirmed as the new manager of League Two side Stirling Albion.
Whittaker was recently dismissed from his role as assistant manager at Ayr United alongside former Celtic captain Scott Brown.
Stirling, who sacked boss Alan Maybury after a poor season in the fourth tier posted the announcement on their website.
“The club is delighted to welcome Steven Whittaker to Forthbank Stadium as as our new first team manager,” they said in a statement.
“Building a strong connection with the supporters is hugely important to me,” said Whittaker after his announcement.
“The fans are the heart of any football club.
“At Stirling Albion you can already see the passion and pride they have for the team.
“My job is to give them a side they can believe in.
“One that works hard, competes every week and represents the club properly.
“If we can bring everyone together, that can be a massive strength for us moving forward.”
Mixed feelings from Rangers support
Unlike Arfield, the 41-year-old former defender is not well thought of around Ibrox.
Upon the club’s demotion to the Third Division and the liquidation of it’s holding company Whittaker held a press conference alongside Steven Naismith confirming his departure.
“I didn’t sign up [to the newco] because of the problems they are going to encounter and the sanctions which are going to be put on the club,” he said at the time.
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Arfield has stressed he is not seeking the role permanently and remains focused on continuing his playing career.
While Whittaker’s appointment represents a full managerial step at Forthbank.
Both now begin new chapters at very different points of the Scottish game, but with shared intent to prove themselves in leadership roles away from Ibrox.
