If Rangers are still looking for a new manager within the Scottish Premiership then there’s really just one man that they can go for.

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has turned down the chance to talk to the Ibrox club and let’s face it neither Brendan Rodgers or Neil Lennon would accept or be considered for the job.

The bookies and the media have suggested that Dundee’s Neil McCann could be a potential target. The Dundee gaffer has had an impressive start to his managerial career but he doesn’t have the experience to suggest he’s ready for the top job in Govan.

For me, the only realistic contender left in the Scottish game is St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright.

The fifty-four year old has consistently got more from his squad than people would have imagined. He brings a consistency and that has been lacking at Ibrox for the last year and a half.

In 20014, Wright famously guided The Saints to their first ever Scottish Cup triumph in 2014.

In the last three seasons St Johnstone have punched above their weight by finishing fourth in the league.

His 43% winning success rate with the McDiarmid Park outfit is very decent when you consider that’s over a four year period and over 200 games. They’ve also performed in the bigger games; picking up wins over Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen and Hearts. The Saints were the first side to get a point off of Celtic this term.

Tommy clearly gets the most out of his players and that’s a quality every manager wants. It’s an attribute fellow countryman Brendan Rodgers also possesses. The Saints gaffer has even changed the fortunes of forward Michael O’Halloran, who returned to the McDiarmid Park on loan from Rangers and he’s impressed this season

There’s no doubt that McInnes and Steve Lomas provided great foundations for Tommy at Perth but I think everyone can agree that Wright and his squad have been playing above expectations and for a sustained period too.

After the left-field appointment of Pedro Caixinha, it looks as though The Gers now need a strong hand and one that knows the Scottish game. Wright would give them that.

The Northern Irishman has also proven at St Johnstone that he can handle working with a budget and that will appeal to the Rangers board. Another plus point is that he can get his players to work together as a well drilled unit, that is another thing the Light Blues have struggled with in recent times.

I’m surprised Tommy Wright has been overlooked for a few decent jobs now but that might burn a fire in his belly to prove himself when the opportunity finally arrives.

I know a lot of Rangers fans will want a bigger name or someone with a trophy laden CV to take on the managerial hot-seat but alas times have changed.

The most important thing for the Ibrox side at the moment is to find a new manager and one who will bring some consistency and discipline back to the club.

If they are to go for someone with extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, then it looks likely that Tommy Wright is the right man for the job!

 

Posted on December 10th, 2017 by scott
Filed under: Article