Rangers are looking to appoint a new director of football following the ‘did-he didn’t-he’ resignation of club manager Mark Warburton.
The club announced on Friday 10th February that they had accepted Warburton’s resignation, but he has repeatedly denied resigning. Warburton along with his assistant David Weir and head of recruitment Frank McParland, released a statement on Wednesday by the LMA (League Manager’s Association):
“At this stage, for legal reasons, it is inappropriate for us to comment in any great detail our departure from the club.
However, given that the club has seen fit to make detailed public statements, it is important that we should clarify certain matters and as such we would like to formally place on record, that at no stage did we resign from our positions at Rangers.
It is a matter of surprise to us, and to the League Managers Association, which is advising all three of us, that despite its detailed public statements, the club has not answered key questions put to it by the LMA, in writing, requesting an explanation of why it suggested that we resigned from our positions.”
The Gers are currently ranked third in the Scottish premiership, but it’s unclear at the moment how the departure of these key management figures will affect their chances in the Scottish Cup this year. In an interview with Rangers TV, Managing Director Stewart Robertson confirmed plans to appoint a Director of Football alongside a new manager, confident that this revised management structure would provide continuity and transform the team into a ‘modern football club.’
Under-20s coach Graeme Murty has stepped in as interim manager, according to Robertson he’s ’risen to the challenge fantastically well so far and we will run with that for the foreseeable future.’
Robertson also confirmed that the team hasn’t spoken to anyone yet about the vacant manager’s position but will stay with an interim if necessary until the right candidate becomes available, although it is his ’objective to try and get someone permanent in place from day one.’
As far as likely candidates go, Aberdeen’s manager Derek McInnes has already dismissed speculation linking him with the vacant position at Rangers, as has St Johnstone’s manager Tommy Wright. Former manager at Ibrox Alex McLeish has been quite outspoken about his willingness to return to his former club, and he’s gained support from former players Gordon Smith, Barry Ferguson and Derek Ferguson who have described him as the ideal candidate for the role.
Interest has peaked in ex-Newcastle manager Alan Pardew who has shot to third favourite following a surge of bets in his favour. After being sacked by Crystal Palace last December Pardew is currently out of a job, but he may have his sights set higher than the Gers after being linked as a possible England manager.
To date the top 10 favourites for the job are: Alex Mcleish, Graeme Murty, Derick McInnes, Billy Davies, Frank de Boer, Andy Goram, Roberto Di Matteo, Pako Ayestaran, Tommy Wright, and Alan Curbishley.
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