Giovanni Van Bronckhorst’s first anniversary as Rangers manager is fast approaching later this month, yet there is considerable doubt that he will reach such a milestone.
The Dutchman cut an isolated figure on the touchline as he pensively observed his depleted side lack creativity in a 2-1 defeat to St Johnstone on Sunday. The Light Blues are seven points behind their fiercest rivals, the league title is disappearing over the horizon after just 13 games, and there is an unshakable sense that the final throes of a manager’s reign have arrived.
There is often a loss that causes irrevocable damage for an under-pressure boss, and the full-time whistle in Perth will likely prove to be Van Bronckhorst’s point of no return. Even the former Dutch captain's most ardent defenders have been discouraged by the absence of intensity in a team devoid of urgency and ideas.
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The Rangers Directors are more inclined to deliberate than react, but procrastinating will only delay the inevitable. The month-long break following Saturday’s trip to Paisley will provide the hierarchy with much-needed breathing space - and a window of opportunity to implement change.
If the Dutchman, who provides little in his post-match reflections to suggest he can lift the air of despair engulfing the club, is dismissed, the process to find his successor will be led, presumably, by Ross Wilson. The Sporting Director oversaw the hiring of Van Bronckhorst - and he was quick to highlight his competency in attaining the services of an out-of-work manager last seen toiling in China.
Wilson had previously stated contingency plans were in place for Steven Gerrard’s eventual departure - and implementing an attacking identity was a prerequisite for any future incumbent. There was little in Van Bronckhorst’s back catalogue to suggest he would deliver on a primary requirement in the job description, yet he was installed and entrusted with a long-term contract.
Wilson’s involvement in another potential managerial search will cause trepidation for those of a blue persuasion, primarily due to his less-than-stellar recruitment record. He oversees a football department lacking sellable assets - and a third of first-team players in an ageing squad decimated by injury are out of contract in the summer.
Steven Gerrard will inevitably be mooted for a possible return, but his relationship with the boardroom appeared strained during the closing months of his tenure. Time is a great healer, but it was only 12 months ago he exited mid-season for Aston Villa.
His former assistant, Michael Beale, is another potential candidate. Despite the small sample size, the Londoner has made a promising start at QPR. Beale is admired in the corridors of power at Ibrox, although he could quickly become unobtainable if he remains on an upward trajectory.
There are several managers that could be possible options - albeit there is no obvious contender - and although past accomplishments and philosophical discussions will likely drive any interview process, it is also essential to find the right personality.
Glasgow is an unforgiving environment, the scrutiny associated with a never-ending battle for supremacy is intense, and the Europa League finalists would benefit from an authoritative and engaging character at the helm. Successful managers are not just tactically astute; they command respect and become the face of the club. Rangers are directionless and rudderless, they lack cohesion on and off the pitch, but a galvanising figure would rejuvenate a squad in dire need of a shake-up.
There is a perception that the Rangers directors are content to muddle on with an agreeable and accommodating personality in the dugout. In reality, a more demonstrative presence is needed to lead the recovery. Coaches of substance rarely shirk confrontation, and a manager prepared to rock the boat and push the envelope should be actively sought.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject To Change
